Newness, isn’t it great?

Having just come back from studying abroad in Scotland from January through May, to interning full-time at Lakeside Chautauqua over the summer, fully recognizing my call towards ministry in July, and beginning my senior year at Capital this past month... my life doesn’t seem to slow down. And to be honest, it can be rough. Newness and change in life can hit you like a brick being thrown by a tornado, but there is no need to succumb. Embrace that brick-shaped dent in your head and trudge on. Sure, I’m not the best with metaphors, but you get the point.

Even so, a change doesn’t need to be as huge as moving across the world and back to have an influence on your life and those around you. Simple changes that you don’t even notice can have the biggest impact and we may not even realize it. A change in how you see yourself, a new restaurant that you’ve decided to try out, a fresh smile on your face, to the new breath that you draw in can be all that it takes. But what are you going to do with this newness? You’ll meet new people, what will you say? You have an opportunity to make a difference in the world around you,.. will you take it?

Here’s an excerpt I’ve found of helpful contemplation: Isaiah 43: 16-21 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says—

he who made a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

who drew out the chariots and horses,

the army and reinforcements together,

and they lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me,

the jackals and the owls,

because I provide water in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland,

to give drink to my people, my chosen,

the people I formed for myself

that they may proclaim my praise.

So whatever you all are facing in your lives, my dear brothers and sisters, I pray that you accept it with open arms and to be able to fully recognize the possibilities that God is giving you. There are going to be ripples that glide off of the newness and changes in your life; they may as well be ripples of love that reach those around you. Always remember, through adversity and triumph we strive to be the light of Christ.

Beta love,

Kayla