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Healing and Wholeness Service

December 31, 2006

Starting Over

Deb Hyder, Parish Nurse

Starting over. As we near the end of our calendar year of 2006, I breathe a sigh of relief. I never, EVER, want another year like this one. I am reminded of many times when I was young when I went to my parents and said: “Can’t we just start over?” Well....now is the time of starting over. Tomorrow starts the brand new year 2007 and with it comes a myriad number of chances to start over.

What makes you want to start over? Perhaps a self-awareness of need for change? Today I will talk about new beginnings on two levels- the physical and the spiritual. Let’s say I want to alter my personal appearance. One of the biggest universal lies is one I make every New Year’s Day...this year I will lose the extra weight. Now, the first step here is to realize there is a problem...o.k...done. Now, how will I deal with the extra pounds. Ah..I have to make a plan. So.... on January 2^nd I go to the local gym and get a membership and this works out for, say, about a month. Then the newness wears off, or I’m not losing my weight fast enough. After this, I slack off in my attendance until I am not going to work out at all. My husband continually reminds me that I “will not renew the membership this year”.

Now is the time for analysis. What did I do wrong? For me, working out in a gym is too boring, so I need to find a means to my goal that is do-able. One of the things I really enjoy doing is walking. So...I found something I like to do and it’s free! Sounds like a plan to me. Better yet…I’ll shanghai Danny or one of the dogs and then I won’t have to walk alone. On days that they can’t go, I’ll take my Ipod or perhaps just look at nature and hear the sounds of the lake.

Now for the spiritual renewal or “second chance”. In Romans 4:22-24 it is written: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Firstly, we must realize we have done wrong and need to change. Then, we have to want the change. When our “eyes are opened” to our inner self we realize that change is necessary. As was stated in our reading from Colossians, we must turn away from those things that are bad..that drains our spirit; and cling to those things which make us whole.

When we realize that change is imminent we must carve out a plan. Everyone can formulate their own means... but for me, I like to read Christian history books and I am addicted to the History Channel when biblical histories are on. Immersing oneself with the Biblical truths and finding what speaks to you is an option also. My mother used to tell me “you become like those you run with”. I believe that is true. Surround yourself with Christian friends that have similar interests. I have heard experts say that if you repeat an action for three times, it becomes a habit.

Starting over is an option for all of us; no matter of our age. It is never too late to chart a new course. Earlier we sang “There is a Balm in Gilead”. I happen to have an insatiable curiosity. What is a balm of Gilead? As I have read, the area around Gilead in Biblical times was noted for being an important source of spices and medicinal herbs. Today Rev. Shenk and I have balm of Gilead for anointing this morning. As I always say, the oil or balm that we use for Healing and Wholeness services has no miraculous powers, but it can be a symbol of the healing presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. In the same breath let me say that miracles do happen every day, whether we pause to acknowledge them or not.

So, let the healing begin. If you are hurting, depressed, worried, or anxious, bring your troubles to Jesus and open your heart to a brand new day. God is the God of second chances....and thirds....and fourths. Ask for God’s forgiveness in your life and learn to forgive yourself. Tomorrow starts a new year and a new chance to begin again.

Let it be.