Mark 1:14-15

"…repent, and believe in the good news."

Reflection by Michelle L. Torigian

When arriving in an entirely new area, there is one important factor to keep in mind:  how easy it is to get lost.

During the past year in my new city, I have turned around numerous times.  Just a few days ago, I must have made four parking lot U-turns.   "Again, you went down the wrong street," I thought to myself.  "Turn around in the next parking lot."

We understand that, occasionally, we will drive or walk in the wrong direction.  Why is it so difficult to remember that at times our minds need to head in a different direction?

In today's reading, Jesus joyfully reminded his followers to repent.  To him, repenting wasn't about calling yourself a shameful sinner.  Repentance means turning around your mindset, perspective, and way of living.  Experiencing a shift in perspective and focusing in a new way is good news.

It's easy to criticize ourselves when needing to turn around in a parking lot a few times in one evening.  With this in mind, let's give ourselves grace when we need to steer our lives on a new course.  As we begin to drive on that new path, God is turning on the streetlights to aid us on the journey.

Getting lost and turning around in my new city has awakened me to the expectation that losing my bearings is human, and movement toward a new direction is divine.

Prayer

God of New Routes, we ask for the courage to steer in another direction.  Thank you for the grace of new roads.  Amen.

About the Author Michelle L. Torigian is the Pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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