something brand-new

I am an avid reader and sometimes when I finish a book, it's like saying good-bye to a friend.  If the book is really, really good it can be difficult to reach the end.  Or if I read a new book by one of my favorite authors, knowing it could be years before they produce another work, it can be hard to let go.  Returning the book to the library can take a little out of me.  What if the next book I read doesn't measure up?  


I was invited to two reunions in October:  my 25th high school and another related to a music group I was a part of in my hometown.  Chapters that are now closed.  Chapters I can never truly return to, except in memories and visits with others who experienced the chapters with me.  Recently, our family closed a chapter.  Likewise, we won't return to the way things were.  


It's hard to move on.  But move on we must.  Life is all about moving on.  Like the yellow words above, you can't keep re-reading the last chapter.  Well, you can, but you'll never get anywhere.


Sometimes I wonder how many "new days" a person gets in a lifetime.  It seems like I've had my share lately:

job changes

cross town move

kids' school transitions

etc

But. . . . .This is what God says,
   the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
   who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
   they lie down and then can't get up;
   they're snuffed out like so many candles:
"Forget about what's happened;
   don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. 
   It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert,
   rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!'
   —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
   rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
   the people I made especially for myself,
   a people custom-made to praise me.

Isaiah 43:16-21 (MSG)

I have not blogged in quite some time, because for the life of me, I couldn't come up with anything to write. I'd think of things, then decided not to record them. Maybe my thoughts would come across as harsh or mean spirited. Righteous anger? Fears that others won't understand or comprehend? 

So much has happened in the last few weeks: 

Good news was received.  

We're in the height of our son's marching band season. 

We were able to get away for a relaxing weekend.

I've attended two open houses regarding where our daughter will attend high school.

My workplace held its biggest event of the year.

My husband has traveled to visit his parents for the first time in quite some time.

We.left.our.church.which.means.a.lot.more.than.simply.walking.out.a.door.

A chapter has ended.

But.God.says.He's.about.to.do.something.brand-new.