The feeling you get "for the first time" is something which is radical and unique. There is nothing like it. I remember the first time I got a "real" bike that was my own. I was so excited because I didn't have to use my sister's pink banana bicycle any more; I had my own and it was a manly maroon color with 10 speeds. I remember the first time I stood in Yosemite Valley staring up at the gargantuan granite glaciers and water falls, they were majestic! The smell of nature and the beauty of the surroundings only added to a euphoric first time feeling. I remember the first time I held my daughter; the joyous smile that came with it couldn't be whipped off my face for days - and I have pictures to prove it.


I could go on and on regarding this concept of the "first time" but I won't because it has got me thinking and I would rather write about that. Because of the feeling and joy which comes with the "first time" people pursue it and crave it. People spend their whole life in pursuit of the euphoric feeling of the "first time". When they can't get it or don't know where to find it they simply reflect, retire, and "remember when..." This is a sad feeling to me because there is so much more to be had. There is more to life then remembering the "way it used to be" or "that one time". Life is about living; it's about searching for and embracing something new.



It's a good thing that our God in heaven offers something new and refreshing every moment of everyday - Himself! "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." If something is new you are experiencing it for the first time. God's love and compassion is not stale it is refreshing; it is new!



This is a truth that is applicable to each one of us. No matter where you are in your journey and relationship with God there is something for you, something new which He had in mind. Just for you!

Some questions to ponder:

1. What role does God's love in all of this play (after all it says "because of God's great love...")?



2. How do we let the refreshing feeling and manifestation of God in our lives remain new and genuine in our lives as if it were the "first time"?



3. Where do we set the boundaries for ourselves so that we do not get ourselves into an emotional roller coaster moving up and down through life constantly yearning for the next best "God" thing which is new?