Scripture reminds us that all living things have a beginning—and that beginnings are important as we consider our place in the world and where we hope to arrive. Beginnings also remind us that growth, maturity and understanding take time. Therefore, patience is required, and growth is a life-long pursuit.
As youth leaders, we would do well to keep these insights in mind as we work with teenagers. We dare not forget teenagers still are on the road to maturity. There is intellectual, emotional, relational and spiritual growth that is yet to take place. Teenagers have not yet arrived, but they are on the path. All changes take time—and some of our teenagers are more mature than others.
Likewise, the beginning of a new year is always an opportunity to consider God’s grace in our own paths. We have not yet arrived either. We are still on the way, still growing, still changing, still learning. No doubt a new year will bring new lessons, and there may be points where we hope to grow or expand our understandings or commitments. A new year is a natural beginning point from which to link our past with our future. We don’t have to make the same mistakes or the same choices or end at the same destinations. We can change.
As you begin again…consider where you have grown in grace this past year, and then mark the time with new aspirations. In many ways, our lives are just beginning. We always can take new steps with God’s help.
