The End Of All Things/Start Beginning

I commuted home from Basingstoke to Bristol for the last time yesterday evening.

As the sun streamed in the carriage and caused my face to reflect back at me in the window, I pondered on the journey of the last five years of employment.

I hoped that being applauded as I left the office was a sign that I had made some difference to the people who I worked with for so many days.

I was grateful for being able to hear. To enjoy the music that filled my ears from my Sony Walkman Mp3 player, to enjoy the kind words said to me by colleagues as I said my goodbye. I can hear such positives,but would I chose to truly listen to their words on days when the black dog rears his ugly head?

I wondered what the major factors in causing the additional lines and grey hairs that now litter my profile would be. The divorce? The youth work? The extra hours put in at the office? The travel?

I was grateful for my sight that has enabled me to read extensively on the long hours of travel. The eyes that were privileged to see beautiful sunrises and striking sunsets as the train carried me back to the West Country.

I smiled at the ongoing revelation that my life is soundtracked by the symphony of God's grace. Five years ago I took the job because I was at rock bottom and had to start from scratch. This time, I am starting not just a new job, but a new life as a husband once again.

Grace truly does outlive our regrets.

So now I stand outside my comfort zone again. As I listened to Nizlopi's new album Make It Happen, the lead single said it all:

We can start beginning.