There are a lot of "new beginnings" happening around us - near and far. The new school year is starting. Some, like me, are learning new appointments in ministry. Some, like in the Bahamas and on the east coast, are going to be leading 'new' lives because of the storm and flood damage. All of us, facing new "giants," find it a little scary and aren't sure what direction to take. Prayer, like we spoke of last week, is the first step in "new beginnings." We can even be in prayer if the "new beginning," like starting the new school year, happens every year.
New beginnings is what our Scripture readings are this morning. Genesis 2 is the second 'creation' story given and has God putting the man "in the garden to work it and take care of it." (v. 15) In our Gospel reading this morning, Mark 1, Jesus is calling the first Disciples. (vs. 16 & 20) The Disciples leave their fishing boats, their way of making a living, and follow Jesus. (vs. 18 & 20) They are starting a new ministry. They are following where God leads. Adam takes care of the garden, names the trees and animals, and is doing what God said. Are we? Are we praying, listening for what God wants us to do? Are we taking care of God's creation as we are told in verse 2:15? Are we even starting to follow where God is leading us? First steps are hard to take -- watch a toddler learning to walk -- but need to be started. What is the first step God is asking you to take? Can you take it? We may not "run" towards the 'giant,' like David did, but we can - like a friend of mine reminds - take the first "baby steps."
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