New Beginnings

Exams are over (did you hear the big sigh of relief?) and we begin a new semester on Monday.  Several new students are joining us, and we look forward to getting to know these men and women that God has called to prepare themselves for ministry.  

Each new year we tend to make new resolutions, commit to change habits, or bad patterns, and look forward to gaining a new perspective.  I think the same is true in education and ministry.  With each new semester, or phase of ministry, I tend to be optimistic and hopeful that "this one will be different."  Yes, I can be an eternal optimist, but I think it all stems back to the fact that I have hope.  Hope can bring healing, is our lifeline, and gives a new perspective.  The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, of Guideposts fame, and author of the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" had this to say about hope:  "Practice hope.  As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit."

I honestly do not know how individuals cope with difficult times of life without hope.  When we lose family members, face tough life decisions, or perhaps suffer through horrific events.

Today, I choose hope!