For my birthday today, my husband Matt and I are giving me a very strange gift, we are taking our daughter Dahvi to college! (We’re in Washington, DC as this is posted.) Where did the past 18 years go? I guess you can say this is the gift of new beginnings. It is a new beginning for Dahvi as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. New city, new roommates, new school, new expectations and new goals. This is also a new beginning for the rest of the family. New schedules for three instead of four, new shopping lists for three instead of four, and new realizations knowing that we can’t always know where she is and what she’s doing. This new beginning is most importantly about trust. Matt and I have to trust that Dahvi will use the lessons we’ve taught her over the last 18 years to make good choices for herself. Most important of all, Dahvi has to trust in herself that she can and will succeed. The road may not always be easily navigated and we’ve never taught our children that life is easy. Rather, through hard work, determination and patience, you can accomplish anything.
Every year we receive the gift of new beginnings. We have to trust that we’ve learned many lessons over the past year and that we’ve grown in ways that will lead us to new adventures and blessings. Embrace your new beginnings. It’s ok to be a little scared or worried, but have faith in the road ahead.
(Rabbi Heidi Cohen)
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