A New Beginning

As you ponder a new year beginning, let this scripture and this poem guide your prayers.

"Do not despise the day of small beginnings" - Zechariah 4:10

FOR A NEW BEGINNING
John O'Donohue

In out-of-the-way places of the heart, 


Where your thoughts never think to wander, 


This beginning has been quietly forming, 


Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire, 


Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,


Noticing how you willed yourself on,


Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.


It watched you play with the seduction of safety 


And the gray promises that sameness whispered, 


Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent, 


Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,


And out you stepped onto new ground,


Your eyes young again with energy and dream, 


A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear 


You can trust the promise of this opening;


Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning 


That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;


Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; 


Soon you will home in a new rhythm,


For your soul senses the world that awaits you.