Today is the First Day of the Rest of My Life

This morning, I am pondering all the first days of ones life. Birth, first day of school/college and graduations from the same, marriage and first child, first career, second career, third career . . . well, I need not continue. 

Today is another first. The dream job for which I worked so diligently and which I loved has ended. Mind you, it actually ended two and a half years ago when I was "demoted" from full-time to one-quarter time. I suppose it could be said that I actually still had it--after a fashion, but it was not the same and I fought in my spirit tooth and nail, so to speak, to convince myself it was okay. Yesterday, I surrendered, and so today is the first day of the rest of my life. Am I fearful? A little, truthfully. 

But I recall that a little over 10 years ago, I and two other Seton Catholic School teachers attended a"New Teacher Retreat" sponsored by the Erie Catholic Diocese (during what was another first day of my life). Our presenter, the headmaster at Cathedral Prep in Erie, PA, a certified Steven Covey "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" workshops (based on the book of the same title), instructed us to write our life mission statement. My mission statement was that I was first, a nurturer/minister and that I was second, a musician. I said that music would always be my vehicle for nurturing and ministry no matter what form it took. That mission is still true whether I am teaching, singing songs to grandchildren, teaching them lessons, playing music for church or sharing it with my family here at home.

                     I don't know about tomorrow. I just live from day to day. 

                     I don't borrow from the sunshine, for the skies may turn to gray. 

                     I don't worry o'er the future, for I know what Jesus said, 

                     And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead. 

                     Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand,      

                     But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand. 

                     I don't know about tomorrow, It may bring me poverty; 

                     But the one who feeds the sparrow, is the one who stands by me. 

                     And the path that be my portion, may be through the flame or flood, 

                     But His presence goes before me, And I'm covered with His blood. 

                     Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand,      

                     But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand. 

                                                  "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" by Ira Stanphill,    
                                                   Copyright 1950, Singspiration Music

Here's to all of your first days. Feel free to join me in my journey and offer your thoughts.