We talk often about “finishing well,” and that is important. Too many great efforts go nowhere because someone took their eyes off the goal. But beginning well can also be critical.
We should take the time to reflect, to celebrate beginnings. And more importantly, to do it for others. Do you know anyone about to launch into something new, something huge, some great adventure? Does the challenge merit a great launch? How can you help them celebrate?
We make “Back to School” a huge thing. And we never miss the New Year.
Sometimes we celebrate weddings so hard, the ceremony eclipses the marriage that follows. But there are quieter things that deserve recognition: a new job, a new fitness plan, a new friendship. A new city, a new career, a singer’s first album—all of these deserve to be celebrated.
All four Gospels record the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. And something huge happens: God makes an appearance as the Trinity. God the Son is present in Jesus. Then immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit appears and flies down to Jesus in the form of a dove. Then God the Father speaks a blessing. Jesus and His cousin John understood: This was confirmation of what Jesus as a man had grown to understand—that He was not simply a man, but was also God. And as He faced things no one else could face, He knew Who He was. He knew His purpose.
“Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You!” Mark 1:9-11.
God, help us to FINISH WELL, as Jesus did. But remind us to begin well too, and to celebrate the new beginnings of those around us, as You celebrated the beginning of Jesus’s ministry.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 