New Births

Births, especially new ones, always create an image in my mind of something young, inexperienced, and uninitiated.  Yet there are several very different uses of this descriptive phrase.  New births also represent a rediscovery, the emergence of something new – even if it is founded on something old, or the awareness of what may have always been present.  The reason for differentiating how we use the phrase is important.  By looking at life through fresh eyes, one can hold onto the heart’s dreams, values, and priorities even if one had temporarily lost the things most dear during the course of the yesterday.
 
Life takes its toll on each.  We struggle to overcome the hells of our own creation.  We grabble with things unfair, unjust, and unexpected.  We find ourselves buried by the evil which runs rampant in the world in which we live.  Live is tough, for you, me, and everyone at one time or another.  While not excusing the choices and actions we take we cause of values and priorities to drift, the question never was about yesterday it is always about now.  Can we learn and rediscover our true heart?  Will we accept the gift of our hearts most long for?  Is there room in our souls for mercy, compassion, and love?
 
We are not alone.  First, metaphorically “God will once again dry up Egypt's Red Sea, making for an easy crossing.  He'll send a blistering wind down on the great River Euphrates, reduce it to seven mere trickles.  None even need get their feet wet!” (Isaiah 11.15)  Second, we have people around us who care, long, full, and deep.  The combination can be extremely powerful.  The only barrier is our willingness to see and experience the new birth this represents.
 
Today, no matter how long and dark the night has been, represents an new birth opportunity.  You and I can take God’s hand, rediscover the Hope found in compassion, love, and mercy, and live it out in the community we find ourselves in.  Beware – you will give birth to yet more things new.