Happy Monday!
A friend brings us today’s word-of-the-week…
FRESH
My friend needs a fresh start today.
In fact, given his circumstances he may need a few fresh starts in the near future. Thing is, Lent started a couple of weeks ago. Lots of us gave up something, or started something. It’s cool to have a nice, neat time when everyone has permission to do something new that gets us a little closer to God. We make starting over the “in thing to do” on that one particular day.
Someone who’s struggling, like my friend, might get the wrong idea. He might think there’s something magic about that day and, if you miss it, you missed your chance.
God, of course, cares a lot about second chances and fresh starts. He loves it when someone makes and keeps a commitment for the forty days of Lent, but He’ll be thrilled if my friend gets a fresh start today. Or tomorrow.
If you know someone who gave something up for Lent, maybe you can take a moment to ask how it’s going. If she’s struggling, encourage her. If she slipped, remind her that perfection isn’t the goal.
If you know someone like my friend, make sure they know it’s always a good day to start over. As many times as it takes.
It’s Monday. God offers you and me a fresh start, a new week. Let’s use it well!
Have a great week!
Great reminder, Rich!
[…] My friend, Rich Dixon (a frequent and thoughtful commenter here) talked about starting fresh the other day. He said, “If you know someone who gave something up for Lent, maybe you can take a moment to ask how it’s going. If she’s struggling, encourage her. If she slipped, remind her that perfection isn’t the goal.If you know someone like my friend, make sure they know it’s always a good day to start over. As many times as it takes.” Read the rest of the post: Fresh. […]