All things new. . . .

A friend of mine recently posted this on Facebook. 

"One can only turn over a new leaf so many times. After a while all the new leaves fall off the tree."

It got me thinking about 'new beginings' in life.  One thing I have always loved about academia is the fresh start.  I love that each year I get another try at getting it right, or at least doing it better than the year before. 

Even though I understand what my friend was trying to say.  I can't help but think of Rev. 21:5 "Behold, I make all things new."  I will trust in His word and have faith in a new day and a fresh start. 

I turned 36 on Sunday.  35 was a good year for me in many ways.  It was full of adventure. I was settling in a new town, started a new job and made some wonderful new friends.  I've been dating quite a bit.  Nothing to write home about  yet, but it's been fun. 

35 also had it's share of sorrow.  My beloved Zoe passed in March.  I've also struggled to really feel 'at home' sometimes.  Tyler is beginning to feel more like home and I know it will continue to get better in time. 

Earlier in the year I posted about my phrase for 2012, "The scenic route."  Somehow along the winding road of life, I've ended up somewhere familiar, somewhere I've been before.  I've already experienced the familiar encouragement of family and friends, but the heart ache is also familiar. I know there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3).  A time for mourning is over, it's time for me to live.  I'm grateful for the opportunity for a fresh start.