Go Forth

My younger sister’s high-school graduation at the end of May puts into perspective for me how quickly time passes. It feels like not too long ago that I was up on that stage receiving a diploma myself. Looking back, so much has changed; I regret not taking the new beginning as seriously as I could have.

    No matter where you are in your life, there will always be new thresholds and new beginnings. Each day can be a new beginning if you are brave enough. New starts don’t have to involve graduation, or marriage or a career. New beginnings can be right here, right now, in this moment. They can be the choice you need to make to kick start your faith life; your friendships; your family closeness; and your passion to become what God has called you to be. Spring is a time of renewal, for taking a deep breath and beginning again. Spring is for planting your seeds and seeing how much you will grow. So plant your seeds deep and let God be the sunshine you need to bring you to new life.

    Take your new beginnings seriously. Life is a learning process, but regrets can weigh you down and keep you too rooted in the past. Growth isn’t easy. It takes time and effort, but it is always worth it in the end. Surrender yourself to the power of a new beginning and see where it can take you when you dedicate yourself to it.

    I would like to share a poem I wrote and read at my high school graduation three years ago. I hope it can bring you the inspiration and encouragement you need to push through whatever you’re going through in your life. Whether it’s something big and monumental like graduation or marriage, or even if it’s just a little change you’ve always wanted to make. Take every opportunity you can find to become a new creation and to let your strengths flourish and bring glory to God. “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelations 21:5).

Only pictures and memories are what we have left

Of the familiar life we are about to leave behind

This short road we have walked together for so long

Has come to an end and we must make up our mind

These last four years, sometimes laughter was our only taste

But when our lives fell apart and sadness stole our hearts

We were always there for each other in the tears of life

With each other’s support, our happiness would restart

Little birds we once were but now we have learned to fly

So fly we must, to the sky, as we reach for the stars

Watch us achieve greatness, show us you believe in us

We are truly capable of taking our lives so far

The battle we have fought for so long has now been won

We are true strength in the flesh sitting before you here

We have bravely pushed past the odds set against us

We can now face it all and change the world without fear

We were made with a fire burning in our heart

Watch us fight, watch us struggle, watch us win

Although it breaks our hearts to go our separate ways

We will stand strong and make you proud once again

Stay golden, my friends, don’t let this life get you down

Courageously rise up and face each challenge head on

Life is a melody sung from the depths of your heart

So go ahead now, light up the world, sing your song