First Baptist Church of Herndon

The beginnings and endings

Linda Soller | Nov 02, 2015

When I faced an empty nest I started thinking of ways to fill in my time. My first step was setting up a knitting group. I spread the word and arranged for a space at the church. The timing was good because of a resurgence in the craft. So when twenty-eight people attended our first few gatherings I was thrilled. Over the first year people came and went and midway through year two we were down to about twelve people who appeared to be in it for the long haul. We called ourselves the Yarn Yarn Sisterhood, in reference to our shared loved for working with various fibers. Knitting was no longer the only focus. That beginning took place eleven years ago, and while our core group has shrunk to about six there is no talk of ending YYS. I would never have guessed at the beginning I would being going twice a month to YYS for eleven years. The beginning was exciting and the end is not in sight.

In contrast I recently had my kitchen renovated. Well, it was more like a face lift. I had prepared for a long time and saved my money, but actually starting the process was intimidating. Now with the work complete I find the ending almost as scary. Thoughts run through my mind of finding issues after the contractor is long gone. At least in the old kitchen I knew about the problems. I worry about what might pop up and cause regret. The beginning was so long in coming, and now the end has come so fast.

Starting something that is a good idea can be exciting and/or intimidating. Often people don’t start for fear they can’t walk away. Churches in particular suffer from members not volunteering because they have visions of a long term commitment to an activity or group, when really what they want is a short term opportunity. I have learned to say no at church, which may be contradictory to what many think. I learned it when I realized how challenging it can be to recognize what God is calling us to do. Does God want me to sing in the choir or is it something I want to do because it is convenient? Is God calling me to write this simple blog or is it just an outlet for something I enjoying doing? I truly feel God puts lots of opportunities in front of us. I think He expects us to begin things, and understands they may end. I think God wants us to make choices. He wants us to figure out how to serve Him best, but He also wants us to find joy in our service. I don’t think God expects us to stay with things when we are unhappy because we don’t know who will step up to replace us. God has a way of putting people where He needs them to be.

This week I challenge you to think of beginning something, be it big or small in the grand scheme. Just start and don’t get hung up on how it will end. The beauty about beginnings and endings is that God is there for both.

Have a great week! :o)  Linda