“Oh, how many travelers get weary
Bearing both their burdens and their scars
Don’t you think they’d love to start all over
And fly like eagles out among the stars?”
I had Johnny Cash keeping me company on my drive home from work today. Not literally, as that would be a bit creepy.
I had a CD of his that I checked out from the library. It’s an album of previously unreleased material that Cash recorded back in the early 80’s. I don’t know why these songs didn’t see the light of day until recently. I’m not a music exec.
I do know that the song “Out Among the Stars” spoke to me, particularly the chorus.
How many out there are carrying burdens and scars from a lifetime of things they did and things done to them? How many cry out incessantly for a chance for a do-over?
The beautiful thing about the Gospel is that it is the Gospel of Second Chances and Do-Overs? When you belong to Jesus, what you did in the past no longer matters. It’s who you are now that counts. It’s WHOSE you are now that really counts.
Sure, past actions have present consequences. But those actions don’t have to define you or the choices you make today. They don’t have to determine your future.
There’s a line in an old Switchfoot song that I love: “Every breath is a second chance.” That’s what Jesus offers. Not just one second chance, but multiple do-overs. In fact, each new morning is a clean slate filled with God’s new mercies and lovingkindness.
That’s what I cling to these days. That’s what I hold on to on those dark and dreary days.
By the way, that Johnny Cash CD is worth picking up if you haven’t purchased it already. Just follow this link:
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