Yesterday I walked the halls of Habersham County Schools praying. It is a privilege to pray for students, teachers, administrators, and personnel; a privilege to know God and know that He cares for the details of every day life; a privilege to have the freedom to call upon His name; a privilege to understand His significance.
Today is the first day of school. It is a new beginning – a fresh start. And as I walked the halls of Habersham County, silently praying for the students who will walk the same halls, keep their belongings in the lockers, play sports on the many fields, and experience life – good and bad – I thought of the promises of God.
Isaiah 43:18-19, “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 toughest part for me about fresh starts is letting go of the “what has been” – the lingering hurt, the painful words exchanged, the disappointments, the failures, the regret. The enemy of fresh starts is the ever present, hovering voice of the past. The reminder that what has been, can be, again.
I’ve learned that healing comes with acceptance – acceptance of the hurt, the pain, the disappointment, the regret, and the failure. Acceptance says, “What has been – has been. I’m moving forward.” Easier said than done – I know – but possible.
Parents, as you approach this new school year, start fresh and new. Create a mindset that this year will be a great year. Do your part to encourage and support your child.
Students, as you approach this new school year, accept that God can give you a fresh start every day. Believe in His goodness. Believe in yourself.
I will continue to pray for every one of you as you move forward, putting the past where it belongs and grabbing hold of God’s promises for a bright and different future.
