Stepping Forward

Friday, Day Five

We stand on the threshold of a twilight- whether morning or evening we do not know. One is followed by the night, the other heralds the dawn. ~ Mahatma Ghandi

We all face an equally unknown future as we prepare to leave this threshold, no matter how the door closed behind us. Those who have left the old room happily, and those who have left the old room reluctantly, now stand together on the same threshold of this new and different day.

At first this may seem disquieting, but the uncertainty can actually be a gift. Our temporary and uncertain earthly days draw us to the eternal and certain presence of God. We can be assured that God holds our future, whether we are entering the morning or the evening. Most of all, we know that God is doing something new in us, and if we allow God to work freely, God will do something good, too.

This week we have focused on the closed door and threshold time. Now is the time to move forward, to look around this new room and ask new questions. We begin by tending ourselves, looking for ways to restore our sense of peace, comfort and a bit of normalcy.

As we look at our new life before us, what is familiar? Who or what is here to bring us comfort? Much like the way we might enter a crowded room or an unfamiliar place, we take a look around to see whom we know, what is being offered and available for us, and where we might find our best place to be. Seeking out comforting and comfortable things like family, friends, restful spaces, delightful treats, laughter and conversation will help us in our new life, too.

What disciplines or routines will keep me grounded in this new life? What will help restore a sense of normalcy? In the midst of my cancer treatments, I found joy in simple tasks such as making our bed and brewing the coffee each morning. Yes, I liked having a neat bedroom and drinking a mug of coffee, but I especially savored these routine tasks because they brought a sense of normalcy to the new day. Spiritual practices such as praying, journaling, worshiping or spending time in nature also help to center us, comfort us, and calm us.

When we are ready, the time comes to ask the most important questions of all, as we begin to look beyond ourselves, turning our focus outward to those around us.

Who or what seems to need our attention here? Have we entered this room for another reason? Are we here to bless someone else now? Asking God to help us make the most of our situations and experiences, we can find ways to use our trials and joys to bless God, serve others, or improve the world in some way. We can offer help or hope for those who are experiencing what we have. We become aware that we are here in this new room, not only for our own blessing, but so we may bless others. In the end, we may make the most of this new place by letting God use us for purposes beyond ourselves.

We actually enter a new room with the dawn of each day, don’t we? How wonderful it is that we have a God who already is there waiting for us, waiting to show us new light and life and joy and love. May we venture forth into this new day, this new life, knowing we have everything we need- and so much more- to live this life fully anew, fully alive, and fully amazed!  

Do not remember the former things,
    or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NRSV)

(Photo by Jad Limcaco on Unsplash)