For many of us the end of August marks the end of the academic year. Exam results are out, and that will determine what happens next for many young people. Younger students will be thinking about the start of term, buying new uniforms, maybe choosing a new lunchbox or pencil case.
I was always happy when term started and we were issued with new exercise books. Trying to write neatly and keeping it beautiful. And about the second week of term, having a disaster with my fountain pen and "blotting my copybook" - and somehow feeling I'd spoiled things yet again.
Another new day, another fresh start.
Whatever went awry yesterday, the things I didn't get quite right [and theres a few things on the list] ...despite my failings, I know God doesn't stop loving me. He forgives me, and helps me, and by his grace, I have the opportunity to 'turn over a new leaf'
There's an Old Testament book which gets rather neglected - possibly because of its off-putting title "The Lamentations of Jeremiah". In chapter 3 there are these lovely, encouraging verses
The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER fails
His mercies NEVER come to an end
They are new EVERY morning
GREAT is your faithfulness, O Lord
Such an encouragement. Thank you. It is so good to know that however much we get wrong God still loves us.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a fresh start to things - September has always felt like the New Year to me. Kids go back to school, adults are returning to work, the weather changes and when the trees start to turn colour it is officially Autumn - a complete change to the world in general. I always want to go out and buy a new notebook and some new pens - perhaps I'll treat myself this week.
ReplyDeleteThus far has the Lord been good to us x
ReplyDeleteVery encouraging and reassuring verse! I loved a new exercise book too and loved covering it, normally with whatever paper Mum could spare, a piece of wallpaper, Brown parcel paper or shelf lining paper. Note to self- go cover some of my falling apart cookbooks 😉
ReplyDeleteOooh, does the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness come from Lamentations then?? That is a super verse and thank you for your thoughts on Turning over a new leaf with God each day. I was feeling very sad about being insensitive and regretting it but yes, there is forgiveness!x
ReplyDeleteBack in my country of birth, the new school year used to start in January! When I came to the States, it took me a long time to get used to a new school year starting in September (increasingly, in August, now). But I am all for new beginnings and fresh starts!
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