New Wine, New Wineskins
In our most recent move, there was furniture we knew wouldn’t fit in our new residence. Gratefully we were able to donate those items to a non-profit organization CRIS whose mission is to help refugees and immigrants reach safety, stability and sustain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. One item we donated was a sectional; the centerpiece in the finished basement of one of our previous homes. It was great for movie nights with our kids and grandkids.
Each time we’ve moved, there was always something to donate or sell. To make our residence more comfortable and functional for our way of living, we’ve had to acquire new household items or furniture.
Entering new chapters require learning new habits and likely getting rid of old ones.
Mark 2:22 says, “No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” NRSV
When we moved from Cincinnati to Columbus in 2015, I was not sure how I would remain connected with my Mary Kay Customers. I created a customer group page on Facebook; this was new at the time. Mary Kay, like many businesses, was an in-person, face-to-face business prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
On my customer page, I learned by practicing and making mistakes. I posted pictures, reviews, and videos about new products and what I was using. I knew I needed to have communication with my customers beyond telephone calls to maintain relationships in Cincinnati. This new tool was new to me in my new city. New wine in new wineskins.
The above scripture from Mark reminds me of the process of new chapters and what we must do to not “burst.”
When I decided to publish a blog, I had to learn how to set up this website and dedicate space for consistent writing to keep content in my “funnel”. I created a writing discipline beyond journaling and began reading genres bring me out of my comfort zone. New wine, new wineskins.
The one consistent habit I have maintained for over ten years is morning meditation, prayer, and journaling.
Creating space and time for learning new habits has been challenging. But, by the grace of God I’ve learned to pivot to learn new things to become acclimated to new environments. Doing so feeds me intellectually, emotionally and creates space for what is to come.
Book Recommendations - “Think Again” by Adam Grant, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Related Blog Posts: It’s a New Season, Ending That Which No Longer Serves Us, Creating a Home Where There In None
