September 2008
A new term and what a lovely experience to see little smiling faces coming through the front door – and how everyone has grown! How good to see those who were crawling in July now walking proudly, as if to say, ‘Look at me. Aren’t I clever?’ How good to see those who were supported by cushions in July now whizzing around on all 4’s. How good to see the almost brand-new baby girl long awaited by everyone – tiny, curling fingers, rosebud mouth, sweet innocence – oh, if only we had the power to retain this!
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The newness of life, new experiences, new intentions, new resolutions – again and again in our lives we discover and rediscover newness in many forms.
Sometimes in the excitement of discovering and enjoying new things we sacrifice that which is long-known and familiar to us, including family and friendship. As we take on new ideas, meet new people, involve ourselves in pursuit of fame, fortune or simply everyday life, we can easily forget the valuable experiences which have contributed to make us the people we are.
We may come to the realisation that things in our lives have changed considerably and that our outlook has perhaps blurred the vision of things past that helped to develop us as caring, loving beings. It is easy to be swept along by events, to have opinions forced upon us, to be called on to judge things of which we may not have full knowledge or may have a distorted understanding.
At times the wish to clear away the debris and start again may be a need in our lives.
Recently I found a poem by Susan Coolidge entitled – ‘New Every Morning.’
Every day is a fresh beginning.
Listen my soul to the glad refrain.
And, in spite of old sorrows
And older sinning,
Troubles forecasted
And possible pain,
Take heart with the day and begin again.
It isn’t always easy to put aside the old and start afresh – but it is possible. It can be done!
Val Butterworth