New Beginnings

See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:19

I can vividly remember the anticipation of the first day of school each year.  Even in grade school I can remember the excitement of seeing friends and classmates after a long absence. I can remember the desire to look a little different than the year before. Since I grew up going to school in polos and plaids, looking fresh meant a new haircut, fun shoes, a cool backpack, or the most awesome Lisa Frank folder (do they still make those?!), or maybe if you were lucky, growing an inch or two over the summer. 

As I’ve been sensing the shift of seasons and considering what that means for me this year (it’s the first year I’m not in school or working a job that is closely tied with the school year), I’ve been contemplating the beauty of newness, change, and transformation. Don’t get me wrong, I struggle with change just like the rest of the world (if you want examples, I’ve got some doozies).  But change and transformation can be evidence of the Holy Spirit alive and working. God never allows us to be comfortable or stagnant. Just when we feel safe and comfortable is about when he’ll majorly shake things up again. 

In my conversations with a couple of friends lately, I’ve noticed a recognition of struggle, attachment, resentment, anger, jealousy, etc. I see these things in myself as well, and in a way, these struggles seem more obvious than at any previous point in my life. But what I also notice in these conversations is a desire to overcome these things, a desire to be healed, a desire to live in freedom, a desire to live true humility. And what better time to really face these realities than this time that offers a tangible new beginning?

So, as a new school year begins again, take some time away from the hustle and bustle to pray with me, set new resolutions, make this new school year an opportunity to grow in holiness, and allow something new to spring forth. 

For prayer: 

Read Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.”

• Read this several times. Write it down. Commit it to memory if you feel called to. 
• What word or phrase jumps out at you? Take a moment to pray with it. Journal about why it jumps out at you. 
• Ask God what he’s trying to tell you through these words.
• Take some time to allow him to gaze upon you with love and speak to you from his heart. 
  

For reflecting on the past year and setting resolutions for this year (choose one or two of these and spend some time with them, or just take them one at a time as you are able):

• What is something in your life you really struggled with this past year? What was the root of this struggle?  Pray about creating one tangible resolution in regards to this struggle, perhaps deepened prayer, forgiveness of someone who wronged you, going to confession, or something entirely different. 
• What is one source of deep joy from this past year? Reflect upon it. Allow God to continue to act in that area in the coming year and ask him to open your heart to see other areas of joy. 
• What is one area that was not life giving or joyful for you? Reflect upon it. Can you eliminate this from your life? Is it essential? If it must stay, ask God to bring light and joy to that area.
• What is one attachment that you have in your life that keeps you from God? Make a resolution to eliminate or cut back on this area in your life.  Perhaps it’s use of your phone, working far too much, a certain relationship, or even an attachment to food or drink. 
• Where is one area of your life you desire hope and healing? Bring that before Jesus in the silence (and ideally, before him in adoration!). Let him speak to you there. Let him love you. 
• What is an area of your life where you struggle with resentment or jealousy? What is the root of these feelings? Why do you struggle with that? Ask God to bring light and healing into that struggle. Listen. 
• Where did you succeed and struggle in your spiritual life this past year? Set one attainable goal for this upcoming school year. Perhaps a commitment to prayer, a regular family rosary, never missing Sunday mass, monthly confession, or committing to a holy hour of adoration. The possibilities are endless!