I love new beginnings - the opportunity to put the past behind with its flaws, failures and disappointments - and start over, fresh and clean.

A new year is such a great time to make changes, begin projects, reflect on the past and anticipate the future. It is the perfect symbol of the old moving out to make way for the new, and many of us are inspired to reach for those lofty traits and habits that have thus far eluded us in our attempts to glorify God with our lives. Unfortunately, our efforts don’t always keep up with our desires, do they?

I’m so grateful that we serve a God who offers the ultimate “fresh start” when we seek it. We don’t have to wait for a new year, a new week, or even a new day. He welcomes our requests for yet another chance to start over. He knows our heart and generously forgives our weaknesses. Praise be to God for His loving mercy and compassion; for “. . . not treating us as our sins deserve, or repaying us according to our iniquities.”