New Beginnings

By Judy Rushfeldt

Next to our living room window a hibiscus plant flaunts four citrus yellow blossoms, bright as parrot's feathers. Tomorrow, the blooms will wilt; the following day, they will shrivel like dried prunes. Next week, several new blooms will parade their exotic finery.

Hawaiians call the hibiscus, "Queen of the Tropics". The problem is, we don't live in the tropics. My husband, Brian, and I live in Calgary, Canada, where the climate is not exactly conducive to growing tropical flora. Several plants died before we finally mastered the technique for cultivating the hibiscus. But we kept trying, for the Queen of the Tropics had cast her spell on us.

My hibiscus does more than brighten my home. It is a constant reminder of new beginnings. Each bloom that shrivels and dies is a precursor to new growth and beauty.

Spring is a season of new beginnings. It evokes thoughts of renewal and hope for a better future.

I don't know what this past year has been like for you. Perhaps you feel like the shriveled hibiscus flowers - haunted by dreams and hopes that once bloomed bright with promise, only to wilt in regret and disappointment.

Eugene Peterson paraphrases one of my favorite Bible verses in The Message, "…Anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him."

Spring is a reminder of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the opportunity to begin life anew as a child of God. I accepted this gift 22 years ago, at the age of 24. I discovered peace without measure, grace that empowers, love that heals and faith that spurs me forward.

Christ promises that all those who come to Him will experience "rivers of living water" in their innermost being. Living water washes away the dead leaves of disappointment, painful memories, bitterness and regret. It quenches our thirst for intimacy with God. Most exciting of all, it nourishes new buds of potential, ripe with the promise of bright new blossoms of joy and purpose.

This evening I noticed a fifth blossom on my hibiscus. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Judy Rushfeldt is an author, speaker, and online magazine publisher who has been writing for 25 years. Her passion is to inspire and equip women to reach their dreams. Her latest book, Making Your Dreams Your Destiny - a woman's guide to awakening your passions and fulfilling your purpose, is now available in quality bookstores. You may also order online with your credit card or by mail, fax or toll-free telephone by clicking here: MakingYourDreams.com

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