New Beginnings: A Reflection from Mandy Hall

As I write this email to you, I can barely sit still because tonight I get the keys to my new house. Chris and I are finally ‘adulting’ and have become homeowners. We are equally excited and terrified by the prospect of owning a home and all the responsibilities that go with it. As Chris and I were house hunting, we made a list of the things that we wanted- a kitchen that we can cook big family meals in, dog friendly yard, enough space to entertain friends and family and a sense of community. We want our home to feel welcoming, like a place where friends and family can gather.

This weekend we will be moving into the blank slate of a house that we will make into our home.  It is a new beginning, a fresh start, a chance to make positive change in our life. I am excited about the potential, the possibilities, the hope that comes with the empty walls and halls. As I dream about paint colors and area rugs I can’t help but get excited for this new beginning, even with the headaches that come with needing a new roof and having a 20 year old furnace that you hope won’t die anytime soon.

As Chris and I settle into our new house, we will find new patterns and a rhythm to life. One thing that I am going to choose is to create more space and time for Sabbath rest in my new home. I want to carve out a time to not just have fun and relax on the weekend, but to lean into the Holy Spirit and commune with God. I want to create a space where I can curl up in a quiet corner and pray, meditate, do yoga. I am going to be intentional about making room for God in my new beginning.

Too often I put my spiritual well being on the back burner. I prioritize other things before taking 10 minutes out of my day to be in quiet prayer. Right now, if I lose the coin flip of who has to walk the dog outside from our second story apartment I tend to not feel like meditating before bed. But with change comes opportunity. With intentionality comes growth.

We all have new beginnings big and small in our lives. Some of us are beginning summer, others are beginning new jobs after graduating college while others retire. Maybe your new beginning is a new workout routine or potty training your little one. Whether your beginning a new week or a new life event, I wonder what changes you might make to create a little more room for God in your routine. Perhaps you could start a new book that feeds your soul, start a new prayer practice, join a spiritual yoga class, or keep a journal of God sightings.
​
When you make time for God, God will show up. Sometimes we just need to slow down, be still and listen for the quiet voice of God.  

The Rev. Mandy Hall, 
Director of Christian Formation for Children and Youth

---

Author

Mandy began her ministry at Plymouth in August of 2014. She is originally from Michigan where she followed her call to ministry to become a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Her passion is helping young people grow in faith in creative and meaningful ways. She lives in Loveland (soon to be Mead, Colorado) with her husband, Chris, and their golden retriever, Oberon.