A Day of New Beginnings

There is a hymn by Brian Wren in our hymnal that speaks to what is happening today.

This is a day of new beginnings,
time to remember and move on,
time to believe what love is bringing,
laying to rest the pain that's gone.
...
Then let us, with the Spirit's daring,
step from the past and leave behind
our disappointment, guilt, and grieving,
seeking new paths, and sure to find.

-Brian Wren, 1978

For our nation the inauguration of a new President signals a new opportunity and new possibilities. We have walked through a time of darkness, with economic challenges and international conflicts mounting. They can't all be blamed on the outgoing President, but he didn't provide the kind of leadership needed at this moment in history. But that is in the past. Yes, we must face the realities of that past and deal with them accordingly, but it's time to leave them behind and seek a new path.

Today we have the opportunity to welcome into the White House President Barack Obama. It is, of course, a historic event. President Obama is the first person of color to take this oath. He brings a background like no other before him to this office. He brings with him a family that will influence his take on reality. He will make mistakes and even we who have supported him from the beginning will disagree with his decisions on occasion. But this is a day of new beginnings.

For that we should give thanks!