Endings and Beginnings
Today I received some timely reminders that while there are sure to be endings, such as the Autumn weather arriving, the leaves falling, the flowers fading…there are always fresh beginnings. One of the most influential daily reminders I have, is our new Golden Retriever puppy, CJ. At only nine months old, his behavior can be challenging and even downright frustrating at times. But it always helps to remember that he is “new” and everything is new to him. He is seeing the leaves fall off the trees for the first time. This morning I watched him chasing falling leaves into a giant puddle in the street, and while he made both of us soaking wet, I could not help but smile. How new the world is to him every morning when he awakens with his new puppy enthusiasm!
I had the unexpected joy of spending a part of my day with a 2-1/2 year old girl. She was dressed in her leggings and pink tulle skirt, for “dress shopping” with her mom and my sister and friend. She had on this cute t-shirt that said, “Mommy’s Little Monkey.” I marveled at her trying to assist with straightening out the wedding dress trains for my sister. How new and shimmering and sparkling the bridal shop must have been for her! Even when we had lunch, I couldn’t help but be amazed at her creativity in dipping her cantaloupe slice into some ranch dressing. So much of her life is made up of brand new experiences every day. Why not jump in feet first?
Then, even when my own life can seem discouraging or dismal at times, here is my sister with a fresh, new, exciting beginning ahead of her. Seeing her in a beautiful diamond white wedding dress for the first time, took my breath away in more ways than one. A bright new beginning to a new life with someone you love, what could bring more optimism and joy than that? Even the dreary, cloudy and cool weather could not dampen the joyful spirits we felt in that bridal shop today.
Finally, there’s the new beginning of teenage children transitioning into adulthood. Certainly, it is full of endings and goodbyes to things such as the jungle gym in the backyard. Seeing them succeeding, growing and embarking on new adventures, reminds me of when everything was new and exciting to me too. I was their age once. This day was full of endings, but it is the beginnings I am very grateful to have experienced.
