A Clean Slate

The start of a new school year was always exciting. It meant getting to see my friends again and to meet new people. It also felt like I had a clean slate to work with academically. I always thought it was nice that on the first day of school, everyone had an A, and how hard we worked determined how long we would keep it. Honestly, I never kept my A for very long, but it was nice to think that I had it for a little while.

Coming into the new year is almost like getting a restart in school. Will we jump right in and make the most of it, or will we let it slip away and forfeit the opportunity to learn new things and grow? I think about the conversation between Jesus and Peter as recorded in John 21:15-19. As Jesus faced a series of six trials, Peter denied even knowing Him. But a few days later, Jesus prepared a breakfast for him by the Sea of Tiberias and invited Peter to feed His sheep. Jesus was not done with Peter; He restored him to do even greater things. In verse 19, Jesus plainly says, “Follow Me.” Jesus extended to Peter a clean slate and clear direction.

The same goes for us. God wants us to learn from the failures of last year then move forward to follow Him in the new year ahead. He’s not done with us yet! I am certainly glad God allows us a restart and doesn’t discard us after our denials. A clean slate is quite a thing of beauty. Together, let’s make the most of the time ahead, growing in our relationship with God and cheerfully serving Him.

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Bentley Hill