Linda B. Tang

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Beginnings, Middles and Ends: New Starts Do Get Easier

September 10, 2012 By Linda

10 Sep

I always tell my girls that starting something new is often like starting a book: you need time to explore it before you get comfortable. You need time to hold the book, look at the cover repeatedly, get to know the the characters, the story line and comb through the various scenes so you know exactly what is happening.   Once you get through the beginning, you reach the middle where familiarity and comfort sets in.  You know the characters involved and may grow to care for them (while others you could do without). You’ve got a grasp of the setting, plot and action. Soon, you become hooked and can’t put the book down.  Then you close in on those final chapters, the falling action and resolution. It’s time to say goodbye to the story but you don’t want to let go.

It’s hard to leave something that you have invested in, that has grabbed your heart, been exciting, joyful, bitter-sweet, made you cry or made you feel that you traveled through an adventure. And parting ways with characters whom you feel you have gotten to know as if they were real people can feel as sad as saying goodbye to a living and breathing old friend whom you rarely see.  Sometimes letting go of a good read is so hard, that some transition time is needed before starting a new one.

New experiences are no different.

One of you children may have started Kindergarten this month, elementary school or is switching schools.  You may have a son or daughter who left for college, is starting a new job or living in a new city. Your child could be participating in a particular activity or sport for the first time and you are trying to encourage him/her to step out of their comfort zone and give this new thing a try. Maybe YOU are going through a new season yourself….starting in a new job, pursuing a secondary degree and having to go back to school. Maybe you are taking up a new hobby or pursuit like preparing for a marathon or starting a new business from home or career.  Maybe it is a season of having to get use to not having someone special in your life. Beginnings can be exciting and keep us on the edge of our seats while we await the outcome of living out the details. Some people thrive on the process of fresh starts while others find them nerve-racking. Beginnings can be just plain old uncomfortable and some of us would do anything to get around them and hurdle over to the middle.

So what do we do during those beginnings?  We know the tried and true feel-good affirmations: “Face your fears,” You can do it,” “Just put it ‘out there’ and everything will all work out,” “Think positive,” “Picture it happening and it will.”

The one I’d like to add to the list may not be so conventional nor tossed around like veggies in a salad nearly as often:  “My times are in your hands.” This sentiment was voiced by King David to God when he was on the run from King Saul  and being betrayed by friends.  While fleeing from his enemies, David asks God to deliver him from those who are pursuing him. It would be easy for him to feel that his circumstances are in the hands of those who are out to get him.  If you read Psalm 40, you see that David doesn’t give his enemies control over his life even though he is on the run to save it (hopefully, this is not a challenge any of you are facing but there are times when we feel overpowered by people or circumstances outside our control.) David appeals to God for control because he knows God is ultimately the One  in charge of his life…not others.

While David waits, God is at work. Doing, preparing and developing so He can move David (and us!) to a place where He wants us to be or shaping characteristics He wants us to have. Where do you turn  in those new situations that may seem daunting? Do you take matters into your own hands and feed them with fear, doubt, worry, what ifs, and the voices of the world?  Who is really in charge of your beginning, middle and end and how can you be encouraged to rest with comfort when you are in any one of those places?  We can turn to God to give us what we need in each place by remembering that He:

Upholds us (“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10)

Helps us (“I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13)

Has compassion on us (“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” Isaiah 30:18)

Gives us strength (“He give strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29)

Rescues us:  (“You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.” Psalm 40:17)

Answers us: (“In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”) Psalm 5:3

Whatever new situation you may find yourself in or your child, remember that living out the beginning moments takes time, faith and patience before reaching that fabulous, comfortable middle.  Enjoy the process, for beginnings and middles become ends all too soon.

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Seasons, What About Me? 9 Comments

Previous Post: « U-Turn Parenting: It’s Okay to Turn Around
Next Post: Lessons on Overcoming Hardship from Pete the Cat: Today’s Nerdy Book Club Post »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly says

    September 10, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Great to receive a post from you again! I do enjoy them!

    Reply
    • Linda says

      September 11, 2012 at 11:50 am

      Thank you for reading them Kelly!

      Reply
  2. Paula says

    September 10, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    I really needed to hear this Linda, tho I have not told you what’s going on personally. I have come to the same conclusion recently, per praying to God, and remembering I need to TRUST Him, for everything, like you said….beginning middle and end. I rely a LOT upon David and his psalms, since I pour out poems like he did and he had such an open trusting heart, he is really an example for us all. When it all goes dim, when things seem tense, when we CANNOT grasp control…..THAT is when we are the most ready to say to God, yes, I see now….my times ARE in Your hands…..and then we can relax and let HIM worry about the rest!!!! I am doing that now. Letting HIM worry and take care of it all, while I sit happy in His hands!!! Thanks for this Linda…..

    Reply
    • Linda says

      September 11, 2012 at 11:47 am

      It’s hard to trust through the whole process, Paula, like you said….I neglect to do that and pray for a portion of the journey or wherever I am in need but it should be the whole kit and caboodle! Awesome that you are letting Him carry your burdens….that is what He promises to do so that you can have peace in knowing He is handling it ALL…He is sovereign over all your circumstances!

      Reply
  3. Lauren T says

    September 10, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    I always enjoy your posts… Always giving me new ideas and new thoughts!

    Reply
    • Linda says

      September 11, 2012 at 11:49 am

      So happy you are reading them Lauren and you are never at a loss for new ideas nor thoughts! You are a blessing in our school and a dedicated mom. Have a blessed day!

      Reply
  4. Linda says

    September 12, 2012 at 4:48 am

    Ends ARE what make new beginnings, that is so true, Alexis. I love that! The whole beginning and end process really lends itself to trusting God as you say, perhaps more than we’re comfortable with but that is how we grow and learn to depend on Him. Thank you for sharing where you are on this!

    Reply
  5. Elise says

    September 14, 2012 at 5:30 am

    Thank you for the post Linda! I appreciate all your wisdom that you share with us. I learn and gain perspective from each post so thank you.

    Reply
  6. Linda says

    September 14, 2012 at 6:00 am

    You are always so kind to read, write and encourage, Elise! I am excited to see how your new path is fitting in so beautifully to who you are. Cheers!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

WELCOME!

Subscribe by Email

Receive All Linda B. Tang posts in Your Email!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Recent Posts

  • Dear Passenger Seat, Thank You for Being Along for the Journey
  • Be the Dew, Mom
  • Lessons on Overcoming Hardship from Pete the Cat
  • Carry Your Children While You Can
  • Dear stay-at-home mom, you have something contagious to pass on

Recent Comments

  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Andrea D. WIener on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Linda on Be the Dew, Mom
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Where I’ve Been Published

Member of the Nerdy Book Club

Archives

  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • June 2019
  • September 2018
  • June 2016
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • September 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012

Categories

  • Blog (91)
  • Faith (18)
  • Favorite Poems (8)
  • Home Page (4)
  • Hope (26)
  • Integrity (2)
  • Main Callout (1)
  • Marriage (3)
  • Motherhood in the News (2)
  • Obedience (4)
  • Parenting (25)
  • Patience (11)
  • Peace (9)
  • Perseverance (15)
  • Praying for Your Children (6)
  • Seasons (7)
  • Slider (4)
  • Trusting God (33)
  • Weary (21)
  • What About Me? (44)
  • What's Brewin' in Your Cup? (54)
[footer_backtotop] · Copyright © 2022 2014 Crown Laid Down Designs All Rights Reserved · Log in