It’s New

It’s new! At almost every turn for the past few months, advertisers profusely proclaim their “New!” wares. In most cases the “new” is like a tractor I once saw parked in front of my grandfather’s shop. When I saw it, my eyes gleamed as I called out to my uncle; “Look at that new tractor!” He muttered, “Repainted!” I looked closer—it was bright shiney red. It had all the functions labeled with shiny appropriate decals—-indeed it did —look new! But it was only a painted used machine!

The New Year is just around the corner. It will be new, not just another number on the calendar, but new adventures, opportunities, surprises. in a few days we will be leaving the “Old Year” behind. Sometimes that is hard to do, especially leaving cherished effects, people, places, and poignant memories. But life is change, and each new day brings something new.

The Proclaimer says There is nothing new in the whole world. It is a reminder that all we have or do is build upon the knowledge, experience, and hopes of generations past. The new year is a call to put away melancholy moping over what has been, and reach gladly for what is and is coming. I think of a quote Grandmother Jewel taught me from Maud Muller, by John Greenleaf Whittier; For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!‘

New is not abandoning the past—which we cannot do anyway—what is done is passed. New is courageously leaning into the future. Fear of the future puts shackles on the brain—not taking a step for fear of falling. Many agents of change, see failure as possibility; they contend that failure can teach new ways, give new opportunities. I am reminded of my learning to roller skate; I hit the rink floor more times than I can count. But my failures taught me to find sheer joy in gliding gleefully around the rink.

I have not always accommodated change easily. However, I have learned that everything changes. To live is to change. Clinging to the past is like trying to skate, while holding on to the side rail for dear life. You are not skating, you are having no joy; you are letting fear steal your joy. Almost no one can successfully complete a road trip while looking into the rearview mirror.

As “The Teacher” says “There is nothing new under the sun.” The point is that we build upon—or more accurately, improve upon—what is already. Human nature does not change. Like gravity, the reality is there; it influences behavior. The Teacher pointed out that rivers flow, wind blows; the elements simply adjust their impact according to the terrain. The New Year will teach us to live accordingly as we observe, monitor, and adjust. In doing so, we rely on our Compass—God.

You can experience the joy of New Year’s celebration with glee, grasping each new moment and each new day. The Prophet Isaiah calls us to pay attention to the new thing God is doing. It is a worthy vision, not a same-old-same-old. Although some passages in the Book of Revelation, are used in funeral messages they are messages of the new, calling us to look forward to new life.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023