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I’m trying to resist the urge to write about resolutions…although January 1st does seem like the best time to begin anything. My dad was born on January 1, and it always seemed to me that people born on that day were more serious, determined, and organized than the rest of us. After all, they had the foresight to begin at the beginning instead of jumping into life somewhere in the middle of the year like hopping a trolley car in motion.

Whether we like it or not, our lives are marked by measurements of time….seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years. We use date designations to call to mind an event, whether mournful or celebratory, and we bookmark time as though it were a novel to return to later. We mark endings and beginnings, but most importantly beginnings. The time to begin is crucial, for without “beginning”, nothing can ever be finished.

Beginning….it’s such a simple word, but conjures up such a picture of dread. Anyone who’s ever taken a timed test knows what I’m talking about. You hold your breath. The instructor is posed with a stern look and a stop watch and you wait for those terrifying words, “Ready? Begin.”

“Beginning” calls a halt to the procrastination that protects us from the fear of change or failure. It forces us out of the cozy warmth of the status quo and propels us headlong into the cold unknown.

Beginning isn’t easy. It’s hard work. We’ll never know the struggle that an infant goes through in the birth canal ...just to “begin”. When he does “begin”, then he’s examined and assigned a score which says something about his acceptable physical value, after which he’s weighed, measured, photographed, ogled and compared. Then after a brief “hello” to mom and dad he’s whisked away to be displayed behind glass like so much flank steak in the butcher’s window.

No, beginning is not comfortable. Beginning holds us up to the bright light of scrutiny. Some people never “begin” because they fear being compared to those who already “began”.

Granted, there are questions associated with beginning. What if I can’t do it? What if I don’t measure up. What if I fail…again? What if it’s an even bigger job than I fear? What if I start and can’t finish? What if I disappoint you? And worse yet, what if I embarrass myself? “What if” are the two most paralyzing words in the English language.

Why don’t we try to use “what if” in a different way. What if I CAN do it? What if I DO measure up? What if I DON”T fail again? What if it’s NOT as hard as I fear? That principle will keep anything you plan to do in perspective, whether it’s starting a new business or a Bible study group in your home. You can begin anything from a diet to a new relationship. You can start a fresh journey as a new parent or even a retiree, and do it all with confidence if you’ll remember one thing…. don’t leave God out of it. Make Him the most important part of anything you start. No matter what it is you plan to begin this year, keep in mind that God planned for your success from the start.

The first four words of the Bible say it all, “In the beginning God…”

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Janice Crow

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