Let's Begin!

"We have probably all known the angst of being a beginner at some new skill, or trying a different way of doing things…..and perhaps it not working out perfectly the first time around. "

I’ve been thinking about the word, “beginning” a lot lately. And that makes sense, Today is the beginning of this Virtual Chapel and I’m profoundly grateful for that.

Through the wonder of technology, if someone misses a chapel service and wanted to be there, this is the next best thing. Perhaps someone may take some inspiration from visiting here, finding this virtual chapel on the internet. If that is the case and you are reading this now, make yourself at home, all are welcome here.

Just what is a beginning? According to Webster’s online, it’s defined as “the point in time or space at which something starts.” Or the word is used to describe someone who is “new or inexperienced.”

That inexperienced part is the tricky bit, right?

There can be hesitation or fear in beginning anything new. I know I have experienced that in creating this virtual chapel! We have probably all known the angst of being a beginner at some new skill, or trying a different way of doing things…..and perhaps it not working out perfectly the first time around. We often experience disappointment on such occasions.

Yet life is full of beginnings, every day in and of itself is a new beginning, yes? Walking around in fear of beginnings would mean walking around in fear quite often. That does not sound like any fun at all.

I suppose that is why the German playwright and thinker Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote, “Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute: What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated; Begin and then the work will be completed.”

There are advantages to being a beginner. A fresh perspective can be powerful. There is a Zen saying that, "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s, there are few."

And much inspiration can be taken from the 12-Step Program saying:

“I can begin my day again, any time I choose.”

What happens when we falter? How do we begin our day anew with a positive attitude?

Perhaps in remembering the God of our individual understanding, we can affirm that we are never forsaken or forgotten. We can know that there is a season for everything, including when we have missed the mark.

I find this scripture from Lamentations very helpful, “The Lord’s love never ends, his mercies never stop. They begin anew every morning. Lord, your loyalty is great. I say to myself, “The Lord is mine, so I hope in him.”

I end this refection for our chapel service today with a blessing for you, that I first heard at a wedding, perhaps one of the biggest new beginnings we take on in a lifetime, “May light always surround you; hope kindle and rebound you. May your hurts turn to healing; Your heart embrace feeling. May wounds become wisdom; every kindness a prism. May laughter infect you; Your passion resurrect you. May goodness inspire your deepest desires. Through all that you reach for, may your arms never tire.”

Thank you for reading, and be blessed this day.