In Biology, we find that all living things have a beginning and an ending. The fertilized egg of a frog becomes a tadpole on its way to becoming a fully grown adult frog. An adult frog eventually becomes food for decomposers - returning nutrients back to the soil. Or the amoeba undergoes mitosis - often referred to as asexual reproduction to give rise to new amoebas. This endless cycle of beginnings and endings is constantly around us even when we are blissfully unaware. And yet in life, we experience numerous changes that we refer to as beginnings and endings - times or events that allow us to reflect, ponder, or sometimes to be thrust into new or different situations.
Another school year has ended and in this ending are lots of new beginnings. Seven years ago we began homeschooling our four children. This spring, our oldest son graduates bringing his high school years to an end while at the same time ushering in the beginning of a new job and new directions for him. Another son, finishes school and embarks on preparing to take a few classes at the local community college as part of his high school curriculum in the fall. And finally, our youngest son continues to grow and learn about the world around him. Our daughter, already married awaits more changes as she looks forward to being reunited with her husband at an army base...somewhere ...some time in September. So changes - beginnings and endings don't just mark the school year but are rather part of life.
As a parent, a teacher, I love the spring - wrapping up a school year, enjoying a different pace of life, planning for next year. But this year especially has been eye opening. As my children get older and more independent, I may have more time to begin new things as well. But all of this change - am I ready for something new? Am I willing to give up a few things to gain something else? Or do I choose to become better at what I'm already doing? And in the end, no matter what I choose or what you choose, God blesses us and we eventually face new beginnings and endings once again.
