Is it possible to have a fresh start? Not to drag old hurts and fears into the new year? The red-wigged clown, Frieda, seemed to be saying that as she sprinkled confetti from a “FRESH START” bottle on the surprised crowd gathered around carolers on a cold winter night. Some people backed away, brushing the glitter from their winter coats. Others smiled and held out their mittens for more.
Long ago and far away, John the Baptist also preached a fresh start to those who sought him out in the desert: “If you have two coats, give one to the child who has none. If you have more food than you need, give to those who have none.” He also broadened his message to include notorious swindlers, the tax collectors: “Only collect what is owed,” he said. And to the soldiers, he cautioned against making false accusations to extort a bribe.*
Each person, it seemed, would see where a fresh start was needed to move all of us toward a more just and equitable world. But John the Baptist had another message as well. He preached that another prophet was coming who would give them a new heart, a whole different perspective, an inner change.
I’ve always thought it was the opposite: that we needed an inner awakening first, and then our actions would follow. But no, that’s not what John is saying. He’s telling his listeners what to do: share and be fair in your dealings with others – and an inner change will follow. Practice radical kindness and your soul will whisper “Amen.” Another way of saying it might be the 12-step mantra: “Fake it ‘till you make it.”
During this Advent season, you might experiment with acting first in the direction of generosity and justice, and letting your heart come along more slowly. “Just do it,” Frieda says.
- What needs a “fresh start” in your life?
- Is there a “desert place” where you can listen for guidance?
- Where can you act first and let your heart follow?
–Marjory Zoet Bankson, Editor of InwardOutward
