My oldest son, Mel, suggested the theme for the next photo gallery might be beginnings: “seems like a good theme with the start of your retirement, the site, and spring starting to show herself.”

It’s a great word and it reminded me of a specific time when a friend shared comments about new beginnings. The setting was Newberg Friends Church thirty years ago. Cindy and I were up in front ready to exchange our wedding vows. The ceremony included a time for reflection and sharing.  Jack Willcuts stood and spoke about new beginnings being an integral part of the divine order. We have a VHS tape somewhere that would have captured his words, but I’ll just share the essence of what I recall.

In the physical world we have new beginnings each time the sun rises or the seasons change. The spiritual world includes dramatic new beginnings—the flood at the time of Noah; multiple second chances of the people of Israel; and (most significantly) the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

I don’t recall Jack making reference to the fact that Cindy and I had each been previously married. He didn’t need to.