Jun 10
8
Endings and Beginnings
In our lives, we have many beginnings and endings. Our parents ended one phase of their life when we were born and then began a new phase. Our children end one year of school and enter the realm of summer. The sun rises and sets each day.
Sometimes, endings are difficult. Sometimes, we pass right through an ending without even thinking about it. I think that the hardest and most rewarding endings and beginnings are when a child leaves home.
Last Sunday, we had all our family together to celebrate the birthday of two of our family members. It was great! We spent the whole day together. We had a fabulous lunch prepared by my wonderful husband, and we just loved each other and loved being together. We talked about the past and we talked about the future. We laughed and we played and we sang. Then, when it was time to go home, some of our family members went different directions.
I watch our married children as they take care of their families. I see them teach their children the same virtues we taught our children. I watch each child grow from year to year, and I understand that as each season brings an ending, it also brings a beginning. My job is to encourage the growth of my family and my friends as they meander this journey we call life.
Encouraging does not mean to push or decide for another person. Encouragement is to give support as our family members and friends travel through their endings and beginnings. Encouragement says “I believe in you.” Much of the time, encouragement and support is all that is needed to help another person go through the the multitude of endings and beginnings in a given lifetime. Encouragement and support are true hallmarks of friendship and love.
Who has encouraged you as you travelled through an ending or beginning? How did they help you?
