Silverware and new beginnings, what could be the connection? It started with a simple question to my youngest son. “Do you have any silverware in your room?” His answer was no. I was skeptical. I knew the silverware drawer was a little light after dishes, and his room has his own version of teenage clean. I’ll leave the rest to the imagination. Needless to say, I couldn’t take it anymore and decided it was time for a fresh start in his room. It was time for a mamma kind of clean. Guess what I found?

The start of a new year is a great time to clean out the old to make room for the new. It’s time to relfect on the things I want to leave behind, things like jealousy, pride, and self pity. The sad part is that it didn’t take a lot of reflection to come up with the clutter in my life. I know I need to do some deep cleaning to see changes, to embrace new beginnings.

It’s the Spitit of God that reminds me of what is ahead when I am focused on Him and not myself.

The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less. ^6-7That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. (2 Corinthians 5:507 MSG).

I am reminded to set aside the things that are dragging me down. I am reminded that inward thinking only brings me off His course. When I’m focused on Him, I’m more thankful, offer more grace, and find more joy in life. I am more able to see the good in situations and rather than the worst. I am more able to see myself as enough. It is time for new beginnings. Out with the old and in with the new. Here’s to the new year filled with good cheer.

What are you cleaning out of your life? How are you making room for new beginnings? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.