Friday, October 20, 2006

A New Life

So, a new life is beginning for me. I have a new career that I just love. I am helping everyday people win with their finances! In a society where the middle-class is being whittled away (Financial forecasts say that the way things are going, there will be no middle-class - just rich and poor - in 15 yrs), I can help make a difference for people's futures.
So far, I haven't drastically changed anyone's life; but, when I can help a family free-up several hundred, to over a thousand dollars a month that they didn't even know they had, it's quite rewarding to see the hope in their eyes.
At my last job, I was part of the behind-the-scenes crew that put together a positive, uplifting magazine. I knew I was doing something that had a positive impact on people's lives; but, I rarely even heard about it, let alone saw the impact 1st hand. Now I see that every day! I love it!

Another bonus about my new career is that I don't sit at a desk, or drive in my car for 8+ hours a day. Over the 4 years of my previous job, I went from being fit (albeit about 5lbs away from my ideal weight) to being soft, out of shape, and 10lbs overweight. In these past several weeks, I've been able to do more of what I love, and have lost 5lbs to boot!
In this new season, I am looking forward to getting back into shape. I may never find my former glory; but, I know that I can trim up, and have more energy than I have in a long time. It is taking me a while to actually get into a work-out regime. Ideally, I'd prefer to work out at a gym; but, as I get started in my new career, cash-flow is limited, so I'll have to hold off on that, likely 'til the New Year.

How often can a man be "born again"? I'd say that most evangelicals would say it's a once in a lifetime event: "You say 'Yes' to Jesus, and you're born again - it's that simple."
But, I'm not so sure that's it. I had an epiphany one day a year or two ago. I was going through a somewhat similar train of experiences that I'm in now and realized that, if we choose to, we have the opportunity to be "born again" every moment of every day!
One thing that I've learned is that Jesus forgives - plain and simple. His arms are always outstretched to anyone who wants to start anew. So, why not? That's what I'm thinking right now... why don't I be reborn? Why don't I let Him raise my soul from the dark places it's been this past while?
Do you know how refreshing it is to have your soul awakened? Do you know what it feels like to have hope; to be able to dream once again; to know that your future is wide open - that your past can no longer chain you up?
It has been written: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Today, I am born again. And, tomorrow - if I need, or if I choose - I shall be born again, and again. There is hope for a new day everyday. Praise the Lord!