New Beginnings

(first posted July19, 2017)

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of my baptism into Christianity. I was formally baptized in 1985 in the Gulf of Eilat in Israel - or the Gulf of Aqaba. Although I had been committed and studying for some years prior to that event, it was  that life-changing moment when commitment was formalized and escalated to a new level - and definitely to a new beginning. The past, with all its mistakes and regrets, was given a sea burial and a new, fresh life began. It would certainly be no easy path, with many more mistakes, agonies, trials and tribulations - but, for me, it's been the only path worth walking. Along that path I have learned to know God a little better and, little by little, become more and more in awe of His wisdom, love and greatness.

Learning to love has been a progression in itself - from a young man thinking that love was a romantic experience to learning how much greater the love for a little child could be. The love, commitment, sacrifice and endurance of the love of parenthood and grand-parenthood has taught me so much more about God. Furthermore, the raising of, and aspirations for, one's children, the fears of the consequences of mistakes on their part and mine, has given me a greater understanding of just how wise and how right God is. With age, experience and observation, the realization becomes more and more that humanity just needs to LISTEN to Him. If only we would listen.....how much closer would Life be to the experience that He wanted it to be for us than it is.

With this new beginning - the first blog post on this blog - I thank God, our Lord Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit for the Grace, Love and Patience that They have shown me over the years  - and with every fibre of my being I testify that "God is truly Awesome"!