Second Chances

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” — C. S. Lewis

Everyday is a new beginning, a chance for us to make amends for our past transgressions and start down the true path of the Lord.  As much as we would like to, we cannot go back in time to change what has already happened due to decisions that we have made.  We can, however, use the knowledge we have gained through our experiences to learn how we should be living, and by the power of our free will, make sure we don’t make the same mistakes twice.  God granted us the gift of free will so that we may freely chose to follow Him.  He does not force us into following, but He does give us more than enough chances to make that decision on our own.   

Let’s take Saul of Tarsus (later to become known as Paul), as an example of this.  Saul was a major advocate of the persecution of the early followers of Christ.  He was the only person from the mob that stoned St. Stephen who was named in Acts.  From that point on, Saul became dead set on the mission to eradicate those who spread the news or followed the teachings of Christ.  His name struck fear in those who remained loyal to Jesus, as he went house to house in search of the early Christians, dragging them into the streets and putting them in prison.  His life took a turn while on the road to Damascus.  He was given a second chance, when Christ confronted him.  This became his chance to start over, repenting his ways and beginning a life spreading the Word of God throughout the land.  He could not change the decisions of his past, but this was his opportunity to change the ending of his story.  From that point on, he became one of the strongest followers of Christ and leaders of His early Church.

We also have the same opportunity as Saul.  There is no time like the present to take the step that he took.  We do not know how much time we have left before we are called home or when Christ will return.  The choice remains with us and that is why we are granted with free will.  God may give us signs or instructions, a little push here and there, but it is still ultimately left up to us.  It is our choice to decide how our ending plays out.  To quote St. Pope John Paul II, “The future starts today, not tomorrow.”  Don’t miss out on the chance to start anew.  The past is just that, the past.  It cannot be changed or altered no matter how hard we wish or want it to be.  All we have left is the time from this point moving forward. The challenge for us lies in our free will to make the decision to start fresh and change the ending of our own stories.  

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — J. R. R. Tolkien

Let us pray.  Lord, we ask that You help us today in making the changes that we need to in order to start our new life with You, thus enabling us to change the ending of our story.  Help us to see the things that we must change and grant us the strength to make those changes and the perseverance to stick with those changes.  We do this for Your Greater Glory.  In Your Name we pray. AMEN.

God Bless You All

You Are in My Prayers

Scott