The prayerful phrase, “Always We Begin Again”, is one that has followed me in various forms and for many years. In scripture, this phrase can be paired or compared with the text from Lamentations 3:22-23. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”
This “Always” prayer mantra was shared with me by a spiritual director at the Mount in Erie, PA… as a kind and wise nun spoke these words to my restless and worried state; “Always we begin again.”
In times of new beginnings: I think of New Year’s Day, first days of school, and in our case together; the beginning of our call together as pastor and congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, NY. We are at a new beginning – together with God holding and forging our “we-ness” in new and exciting ways. While we are in-the-midst of Lent, a time of reflection and prayer, here we have this beginning, this seed of a new life – we – together.
The Spirit of God has a way of bringing newness when we least expect it; and as this well-loved phrase of mine, “Always we begin again.” – might allude; has been a great traveling companion in many life-changing circumstances over the years. Even in great change and challenge, this “Always” prayer has inspired and given me hope!
In this time of newness – there is great excitement and hope for the ministry to come; and for that I’m excited and thankful. But in this newness, there is some learning to be had and lines that are yet to be drawn, and possibly re-drawn. We in this, “together ministry’ have the blessing of “always, beginning again”; and are given the space to experiment, try, fail and try again and again – all for the sake of God’s mercy and love.
As Sister Joan Chittister writes in her book, Following the Path, “…But no one I know thinks is all happens in a straight line. No, life is far more exciting than that. It’s learning to live it that matters. Finding our own particular challenge may be difficult at first. But we do. Finally. Eventually. However difficult the way.”
And so, in the steadfast love of God, we begin together in the winding path of life and ministry following the call of the Spirit – as a new “WE”. There is joy, challenge and adventure ahead. We will begin to know each other and with the help of God; love each other as fellow children of God.
With the help of God may we, always we, begin again in joy, sorrow and all that our new journey holds. Each morning mercy is new, and thanks be to God for the “WE” calling of King of Kings Lutheran Church; for this beginning and every beginning to come.
Always we, begin again.
Walking in grace,
Rev. Tara L. Eastman
This “Always” prayer mantra was shared with me by a spiritual director at the Mount in Erie, PA… as a kind and wise nun spoke these words to my restless and worried state; “Always we begin again.”
In times of new beginnings: I think of New Year’s Day, first days of school, and in our case together; the beginning of our call together as pastor and congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, NY. We are at a new beginning – together with God holding and forging our “we-ness” in new and exciting ways. While we are in-the-midst of Lent, a time of reflection and prayer, here we have this beginning, this seed of a new life – we – together.
The Spirit of God has a way of bringing newness when we least expect it; and as this well-loved phrase of mine, “Always we begin again.” – might allude; has been a great traveling companion in many life-changing circumstances over the years. Even in great change and challenge, this “Always” prayer has inspired and given me hope!
In this time of newness – there is great excitement and hope for the ministry to come; and for that I’m excited and thankful. But in this newness, there is some learning to be had and lines that are yet to be drawn, and possibly re-drawn. We in this, “together ministry’ have the blessing of “always, beginning again”; and are given the space to experiment, try, fail and try again and again – all for the sake of God’s mercy and love.
As Sister Joan Chittister writes in her book, Following the Path, “…But no one I know thinks is all happens in a straight line. No, life is far more exciting than that. It’s learning to live it that matters. Finding our own particular challenge may be difficult at first. But we do. Finally. Eventually. However difficult the way.”
And so, in the steadfast love of God, we begin together in the winding path of life and ministry following the call of the Spirit – as a new “WE”. There is joy, challenge and adventure ahead. We will begin to know each other and with the help of God; love each other as fellow children of God.
With the help of God may we, always we, begin again in joy, sorrow and all that our new journey holds. Each morning mercy is new, and thanks be to God for the “WE” calling of King of Kings Lutheran Church; for this beginning and every beginning to come.
Always we, begin again.
Walking in grace,
Rev. Tara L. Eastman
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