Live It Articles Re- jubilated

Wouldn't we all like a fresh start? When I worked with university students, I was often asked if I would like to go back to that age and do things differently. My answer was yes and no. Yes, if I could possess the lessons I have learned from life and also have the energy of a young adult, but no, if it means go through it all again. Once is enough; however, a new beginning in the present, even with my scars and some regrets, would be welcomed.

In the earliest days of the Jewish faith, many feasts, fasts and celebrations were introduced to them in order to keep their focus on their special relationship with Jehovah. One of these was the "Year of Jubilee."   It was to occur every 50 years [starting the year after seven times seven years.] This was a year of rest and restoration. The land was to be given rest [a lesson scientists now recognize and recommend crop rotation and other ways to rest and restore the land].   Debts were to be forgiven and property was to be returned to the families who had inherited it.   In addition, slaves were to be set free.

"...on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land...and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you..." Leviticus 24:27

Although there is little evidence that this practice was followed strictly, the emphasis on there being an end to hopelessness is a refreshing message of faith.

Early in our marriage, my wife, Angie and I were given a wonderful gift of a trip to the Holy Land. We were grateful, but did not know what to expect. In addition, special arrangements had to be made for the care of our three preschool children. It was a hectic time in our lives and the trip preparation added to the confusion. But when we experienced the land of the Bible, we found not only a place of great interest, but also a place of quiet, deep reflection. We were overcome with the multiple layers of history and biblical events - so much so, that the trip was even more meaningful in the months that followed, as we reflected on each site and the way it made biblical stories become three dimensional. The time away from the pressures of everyday life and the stimulation of our mind, the stirring of our soul, and rest for our bodies was a rejuvenating experience. We had new energy to invest in our family and our jobs.

There are many things that need the trumpet of jubilee sounded in our lives:

    * Financial burdens
    * Family stressors
    * Health concerns
    * Spiritual drought
    * Personal failures
    * Life disappointments

There are no trumpets that are going to cause all of these things to be given a fresh start. However, beginning again is one of the great hopes of the Christian faith. Without it, the term "Good News" [Gospel] has little meaning.

This summer is a great time to plan a personal jubilee. It may take some time to hear the trumpet, but the plan and anticipation may be part of the hope.   After all, the Jews would wait 50 years.

Personal Jubilation Plan

1. Identify a repeating stressor. For many of us, it is something that cycles through often, i.e. lack of discipline in eating, Bible study, time management and personal relationships.
2. Seek wise counsel . This may include: reading Christian books on the trouble area, seeking personal counsel from a professional counselor, talking to a respected person of faith.
3. Develop a plan . Write out what it would take for us to take the energy away from our stressor, i.e. if it is financial, it would mean preparing a reasonable budget and following it strictly; for health, it would mean mapping out a healthy regimen and trust a support group [First Place meetings] for accountability and encouragement.
4. Believe that God is the God of new beginnings. It is not up to us to make miracles happen; every good thing begins and ends with God. We have the joy of joining what God desires to do.
5. Budget the resources it takes to make it happen. The narrow path must be chosen; anyone can travel the broad way. Set aside the time, money and energy that it will take to be set free.

It may be as simple as a ten-minute time alone on the patio reading a brief devotional, eating out less, stopping spontaneous buying, joining a First Place group or taking a trip of a lifetime. Whatever it is that will let you hear the "trumpet of jubilee," remember it will require that you do some things differently than you are currently doing.   My friends who are in recovery programs have taught me...

" If we keep doing the same ole' things, we will keep getting the same ole' results."

It is time for a new beginning - it is time to hear the welcome sound of Jubilee. Fresh starts are not just for our relief and peace; they can also be our gift to everyone we encounter.

So for everyone's sake, let's get 're-jubilated.'

Dr. Bill Heston
University Chaplain,
Howard Payne University
Brownwood, Texas


Dr. William Heston was minister of pastoral care at Houston's First Baptist Church; clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and a marriage therapist licensed by the state of Texas. He has also led seminars at First Place Conferences.