The Tribune

By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

Sometimes we are jolted into the realization that the way we have been living is just not good enough and we are ready to make a change. What does one do when the old way will not suffice?
The best way to make a change is to ask God to give you a new beginning. This simple admission that it is not in your hands relieves you of much of the pressure to make it all happen. It is a step in the right direction.

The realization that a new beginning is really possible, gradually begins to “sink in”, and you can relax your grip on old habits as new interests surface to take their place. If you never read the Bible regularly, you may want to study a simple version with helpful notes, and attend a class in your church that will answer some of your questions.

Prayer is a time to be alone in order to pour out your heart as the words come to you, speaking out loud, writing in a journal, or silently reflecting in simple meditation. You listen and wait for thoughts to enter your stream of consciousness or quietly occupy yourself with menial tasks which leave your mind receptive.

Forgiveness is something that has to be accepted as an undeserved gift, and all too often we punish ourselves unnecessarily with guilt and shame that lingers long after the fact. We have to believe that God is faithful to forgive and gratefully begin all over again. Confession with spoken absolution offered by a priest or minister is another way to feel free from the burden of sin.

Tithing is an outlet to bless others and build the budget of a congregation that is seeking to serve God faithfully. The giving of tithes and offerings is a step of trust that takes us further along the road of commitment and self-dedication.

Active ministry is yet another strong medicine for a soul that needs to be involved in order to use dormant gifts, and to stir up stagnant memories of childhood kindness. The giving of our time, and the sharing of talent, are worthwhile additions to any schedule that has God at its centre.

Worship brings us to a place where the family of God gathers to celebrate new beginnings and overcome old bondages. The mixture of singing and motion, the audio and the visual, the fellowship and the learning, and so much more, satisfy the spirit with the things that are beyond rational understanding.

Changes in life-style gradually occur until what was once new becomes a natural way to experience life on a daily basis. The strange becomes comfortable, and the old seems unpalatable. This season may be savoured for a while until something else happens to brings us up short, and once more we have to move to a deeper level to find peace, or climb to a higher height to breathe purer air.