It’s that time of year again when summer holidays come to an end and the new term begins.
For some, that means the first day at a new school, perhaps with a mixture of excitement and nerves. For others, it means returning to familiar classrooms and friends after the long summer break. University students may be packing up and heading off to begin a new chapter, while parents and teachers prepare themselves for another year of learning, growing and discovering what lies ahead.
And it isn’t only children and young people who experience new beginnings. September has a way of reminding all of us that life is made up of seasons, and that sometimes we are called to step into something new.
This week, we might be thinking of Lydia, whose own new beginning comes with her installation at St Luke’s, Chelsea on Tuesday. As she begins her new ministry, we can pray for her, for those she will serve, and for all that God will bring about through her new chapter.
The Bible is full of stories of people being called into new beginnings. Sometimes they knew exactly where they were going; sometimes they certainly didn’t! Abraham was called to leave what was familiar and trust God with what lay ahead. The disciples left their nets to follow Jesus. Mary said yes to something she scarcely could have imagined.
Perhaps one of the most reassuring things about a new beginning is that we don’t have to know exactly what is going to happen. We don’t have to have everything worked out. We simply need to take the next step, trusting that God goes with us.
The writer of Proverbs puts it really beautifully:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5–6)
That doesn’t promise that every new beginning will be easy. There may be challenges, surprises and moments when we wonder whether we are doing the right thing. But it does remind us that we don’t face them alone.
So, as schools, colleges and universities begin another year, as churches begin new seasons of ministry, and as each of us faces whatever new beginnings lie before us, may we place our trust in God.
We may not know what the road ahead will bring. But we can be confident of who walks it with us.
Lord, in every new beginning, give us courage to take the next step, wisdom to know your way, and faith to trust that you are with us. Amen.