There really is more to this life, although sometimes it's so fast and loud that we begin to doubt it could ever be different. Still, I hope you'll be intentional in trusting at least these 2 things:
1 - He is making all things new.
2 - And no matter how you feel, you are new too. You can tie that truth to yourself and walk through each day. At first it may feel funny, like a splint, but given time, you will see your brokenness begin to heal and the path you are walking will become straighter.
As I began studying this, I asked my readers (who I love and appreciate very much, by the way) to tell me what the word NEW meant to them. Here are some of the responses:
- Something that hasn't been ruined or tarnished yet, a chance to be or do whatever you want. A do-over.
- Without blemish, something not used. Clean.
- Still in the box, wrapped up, clean, fresh, no smudges, scratches, or dents. Unused. Able to make something the way you want.
- Not messed with or tarnished. A new day is one with no mistakes in it. Fresh start. A clean slate.
- Untouched, shiny, never used.
- Unblemished, untarnished. Ready for use. (emphasis mine!)
- Clean, fresh, smells good, unblemished, perfect, a feeling of excitement.
Speaking of new stuff, I always loved baby dolls, Barbie dolls, and the like, especially new ones. I remember as a young girl walking down the doll aisle of the store staring into those boxes of new dolls. I admired their clean faces, shiny hair, brand new outfits and pretty eyes. At Christmas or on my birthday, my parent's often got me some sort of new doll. Oh, the wonder I had as I pulled her out of the box, loving and admiring her newness, so careful to not mess up her hair or scuff her body. Over time, though, I would become used to her and not be quite so careful. I would leave her outside on the swing set, or in the bedroom floor under a pile of who knows what, and forget about her for a while.
Sweet sister, in Christ, you are that new. You have the shiny hair, the pretty eyes, you are unstained, you are just-out-of-the-box kind of new. Don't take that for granted as time passes and leave that newness under a pile of who knows what and forget. It is yours to keep and wear.
As I said earlier, I loved all of your definitions of new, but my favorite was this one:
New doesn't have limits, only possibilities.
Let's close out this series with this verse, I think it fits perfectly:
Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
By the way, if you have a word for this year and would like a necklace yourself, Krafty Kash can make you one with whatever word you like. Use the coupon code ONEWORD, and she will give you free shipping! How about that?!