Pastor Rob
by Rob Caudillo
I just finished reading a novel by Isabel Allende. I have enjoyed reading this novel so much that I took my time in doing so. Lynell has been kidding me about how long it has taken me. In her novel, Ms. Allende writes about the beginnning of Zorro. She tells the story about Diego De la Vega (a.k.a. Zorro) before he became the dashing, sword wheeling, masked protector and hero of the ordinary people of old California. She describes Diego's parents, his childhood, early adventures. She writes of how he would meet and develop his life-long relationship with his friend and confidant, Bernardo, how he learned and mastered his Zorro skills, and how and why he became so passionate to preserve and defend justice for all. I suppose I enjoyed this novel and thus savored my time in its pages, because it dealt with the beginning behind the story. In another beginning tale, the most recent James Bond movie, Casino Royale gives the audience "the beginning" to the story of how James Bond became the James Bond, 007, polished, smooth, "shaken not stirred".
I believe we all like beginnings! It is in the beginning wherre all the hope, possibilities, opportunities lie. As one looks back over a story, a season, a year or a project, the beginning plays a critical role. We have all heard phrases like, "It all began with so much promise" or "It was doomed to fail from the beginning" or "It didn't begin all that great, but then...". As you and I begin the
It dealt with the beginning behind the story. It is in the beginning where all the hope, and possibilities lie. |
year, the beginning will play an important part especially at the end of the next 365 days, as we find ourselves evaluating the year spent. Then it will be heard within our hearts, "it began so..., it started off with..., it held..."
Maybe it is time to begin that life-saving and life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe this is the year to help a family member, neighbor, or friend begin a relationship with the savior of the world. Maybe this is the time to look at your current relationship with the LORD and think back to how it started. What was present in your relationship at the beginning but is missing now? Those beginnings of a new year, a season of one's life, a relationship or a new project(s) are important! May yours and my beginning for this year be sustained and graciously guided by the true author of all our beginnings, Jesus Christ.