Devotional

Turning over a new leaf

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At the beginning of a
new year there is a lot of talk about making resolutions, and perhaps ‘turning
over a new leaf.” First, let’s look at where that came from. As you know, this
expression has to do with beginning anew, making a fresh start. It comes from
turning over a new page, formerly known as leaves, in ‘the book of life.’  Though it was obviously in use before this,
the earliest known citation is from Saducismus Triumphatus: Or, Full and Plain Evidence
Concerning Witches and Apparitions by
Joseph Glanvil, 1581, page 223:

“…l am now come to tell you, That there is a God and a very just and terrible one, and if you do not
turn over a new leaf
(the very expression as is by the Doctor punctually remembered) you will find it so (the Captain
proceeded)…”

As
Christians we know that new starts have to begin with a true desire to do
something differently. Even then, it is almost impossible to do it without help
and inspiration. Our greatest source for help in is God.