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Crossroads of the Marine Corps

A fresh start

24 Mar 2016 | Chaplain Ron Nordan, CDR, CHC, USN; M&RA/Family Programs Chaplain Marine Corps Base Quantico

Who among us has never made a mistake? I can’t tell you the number of times that I have reacted in a certain way in a pressure situation only to think minutes later that I should have handled things in a better way. It could be at the beginning of the day as I am driving in traffic and someone I don’t even know cuts me off and my rage meter peaks at warp speed, or after a tough day at work and someone I love and care for makes an innocent comment and I fly off the handle. Truth be told, we all can relate to responses made in haste where we end up feeling guilty or with regret. And if we had a chance to rewind the scenario and do it all over again, we would probably handle things very differently. The old adage that hindsight is almost always 20/20 is a fairly accurate perspective.

For people of faith, the celebration of Easter is just around the corner. In a very real sense Easter reminds us that we are offered a fresh start, a second chance. There are many people who have experienced that reality. Every day provides us with new opportunities, a fresh start so to speak. But the sad thing is that when the shoe is on the other foot and we have the opportunity to provide a fresh start for someone else, we often forget the golden rule of treating others how we would like to be treated and respond by demonstrating behavior in less than honorable ways. Not only is this type of reaction sad, it is also shameful. But there is good news.

In the days ahead, let me challenge you to approach each day with a positive attitude, looking for a fresh start not only for yourself, but for those with whom you interact. It may take people around you a while to notice, but if you remain purposeful each moment and look at each day as an opportunity for a fresh start, it will not only provide positive results for you; it can also be an encouragement to those around you. We all make mistakes. So let’s learn from them and realize every day is a new day. Look at every day as a fresh start.

Marine Corps Base Quantico