We are never as alone in our beginnings as it might seem at the time. A beginning is ultimately an invitation to open toward the gifts and growth that are stored up for us. To refuse to begin can be an act of great self-neglect.~John O'Donohue From To Bless The Space Between Us

I'm surrounded now by people in my life who are initiating beginnings. A friend of mine walked me through his newly purchased empty house and pointed to the wall he would tear down, and then explained to me where another one would be erected. A couple showed me where they are planting new shrubs and trees, planning for eventual shade. Another person told me of a trip he planned after many months of COVID isolation. Another friend shared she'd begun a painting she'd been thinking about for many months. "It's daunting. I don't know if I'll ever finish it." 

A dear lifelong friend shared that she and her family decided to move, uprooting from a home where she'd spent the last sixteen years raising her family. While bittersweet to know she'd be further away, I felt excitement for her as I sensed she'd taken a risk to begin anew. Her announcement that she was moving came simultaneously with something I'd been pondering lately--wondering if I could begin writing blessings for people. Before I left her home, my friend gave me a newspaper article she thought I'd enjoy. In the article, I discovered John O'Donohue's book, To Bless The Space Between Us. The book is filled with blessings for various events in life. I decided I could begin to write blessings for my friends and for people I don't know, like many of you loyal readers who allow me into your lives each week. Here is my beginning... 

A Blessing For Beginning

Beginnings are fragile, like the fontanel on an infant's head. Your fingers feel the heartbeat, feel the warmth. Touch life.

May your beginnings not frighten you in their fragility. May you sense breath in them. Inhale God's peace. Exhale anxiety.

There are countless doors inside beginnings. Doors contained in doors waiting to be opened. Thresholds to step over. Corridors to walk down to the next door. May your courage to step through those unknown passageways lead to myriad joys that are unlocked in that initial act of bravery and curiosity.

May you not dismiss any beginning as too small or despair that any beginnning is too expansive to undertake.

May you experience both internal as well as external beginnings as God illuminates your spirit.

As you embark, may you know that God's mercy, wisdom and affection trails your path, His goodness your reliable and steadfast companion.

Amen.