A new schoolyear is just on the horizon, which brings about a focus upon a fresh start for many parents and teachers. Whether or not you have children who are school age, we can all benefit from a clean slate and rejuvenation. Sometimes a new start is like a breath of fresh air.
Over the last couple of years, I have dabbled somewhat in restoring vintage cast iron pieces. Some of the items have been family heirlooms, including a Dutch oven from my maternal great grandparents’ homestead and more recently, a skillet that was found in my grandmother’s cabinet when she was moving across the state.
I have purchased some items for the sole purpose of restoring them. My first item to buy was a tea kettle that I thought was neat. My most recent purchases have been old, rusty skillets. I’ve only just begun restoring the skillets, but I hope that they will soon be back to their original beauty.
In this restoration process, there are multiple steps, one of which includes letting the metal soak for days in a liquid solution. As the process is underway, the rusty top layer is washed away and the original craftsmanship is revealed. The cookware is then able to enjoy its new life.
We are all in need of fresh starts at different points in our lives. Sometimes these are exciting milestones or adventures. Other times, they are brought about by heartache or mistakes that feel insurmountable. Praise the Lord, He’s a God of second chances. God is the giver of our initial breath and the One with ultimate power and readiness to make all things new.
Colossians 3:9-10
Because of Christ’s resurrection, believers have new life (Romans 6:4). We are able to be set free from the grip of sin (verse 7). That new birth gives us a living hope (1 Peter 1:3. We can also have a new beginning in our mindset as we are transformed into Christlikeness (Romans 12:2).
With the Lord, we have the opportunity for countless, never-ending renewal through His daily mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). We can forget about that old, rusty skillet! Ultimately, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. There will be no more crying, pain, or death
(Revelation 21:4-5). Praise be to the God of fresh starts, new life, and regeneration!
Love in Christ,
Adam