Learning to Reset

If I asked you to tell me about the last time you experienced something new, what would you say? Think about your daily routine and ask yourself, “How often do things actually change?” Sure, we might encounter big life events like a new job, a move, or some other significant transition. But for the most part, we get caught up in routines, doing the same things over and over again. Even when something new does happen, we don’t always recognize it as an opportunity for growth.

Now, consistency is good. It brings stability and security, especially in a world that can feel unpredictable. But here’s the thing: If we never embrace anything new, especially in our faith, we risk becoming stagnant. Growth requires change, and when it comes to our relationship with God, He reminds us in scripture: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Every morning, God offers us a fresh start. He invites us to reset—not just in our faith but in our relationships, our mindset, and our purpose. So, how do we embrace this renewal in a meaningful way?

We have to remember that every day brings an opportunity to reset our faith. This reset can start with reminding yourself how much you are loved and forgiven by a heavenly Father who wants the best for you. Paul tells us in II Corinthians 5:17 that if we are in Christ and following Him, we are a “new creation.” We are different than we were before, and we can experience the grace and mercy God offers each day. As someone who is leading your home in a life of faith, you will need to learn how to make your faith new, growing, and vibrant as you go through each and every day. A stagnant, dry faith will never experience the new life and freedom that God offers.

We also have to believe that we really don’t have to stay in the same patterns and the same mindset when it comes to our relationship with God. Often, if we want things to take on new and different forms, we need to do something new and different. It’s so easy to stay in the same routines that will likely produce the same results in our lives. If we can look at each day as a new chance to experience the new life that Jesus brings, perhaps in a new way, we will be more likely to change and grow into the followers we want to be.

We have to remember that every day brings an opportunity to reset our relationships with our teenagers. Let’s be honest; it’s easy to get into patterns and routines when it comes to how we interact and deal with our children. Days seem to all look relatively similar, with everyone having to go to school or work and take care of the tasks and responsibilities required to make it through. It’s easy to fall into patterns of communication that don’t really foster connection. Even though our teenagers are growing and changing, we struggle to grow and change in healthy ways with them. We have to treat each new day as an opportunity to build a different, better relationship with our children, and that often takes work. Again, we have to walk away from the same thought patterns, words, and actions in order to build the relationships we all desire. We have to learn how to let go of grudges, disappointments, and expectations as we reset our relationships each morning. Don’t let lingering unhealthy emotions spill into a new day and a new opportunity to grow closer together.

Finally, remember that every day brings an opportunity to teach your teenager that they, too, can reset and experience “new morning mercies.” They don’t need to hold onto guilt and shame about decisions they made yesterday. They do need to learn and grow from their mistakes, but they do not need to live being held down by the chains of the past. They, too, have been offered grace and forgiveness from a God who loves them and wants the best for them. Our teenagers need to be reminded of the freedom they can have in Christ if they seek to follow Him. There is a new life available to them as they navigate the difficulties of teenage life. They are not defined by their sin, but they can live as a child of God.

So, what would it take for you to truly reset each day? What small changes could you make to experience more of God’s new mercies in your life? Maybe it’s starting your morning in gratitude instead of stress. Maybe it’s choosing to extend forgiveness more freely. Maybe it’s prioritizing time with God in a way you haven’t before.

Whatever it is, know this: God is offering you a fresh start today, and it’s up to you to take it.