Daily writing prompt

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

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Firsts can be terrifying. You don’t know what to expect. I have no recollection of the early firsts in my life. I don’t remember my first day of kindergarten or most of those first time events of childhood. However, I remember my first date, the birth of my first child, and the first time I was alone and single after my divorce became final.

I remember how terrified I was about being alone and single. However, I didn’t let the terror of the moment define who I am. I got up the next morning and did what I needed to do. I was in college at the time with two grown children and one still living at home. I packed my bookbag and went to school.

Another first in my life that filled me not with dread but with excitement was the first time I held the first proof copy of my book in my hands. My name was on the cover. It was the same as when I held my first-born son in my arms. The joy that flooded through every vein and put a smile on my lips could not be surpassed or contained.

I also remember the first day on my first job, the first time I flew in an airplane on my way to boot camp, and the first and only time I got married. Those firsts were good and led to the place I am now.

Life is made up of firsts. You can’t get to the second until you have a first. Your first prepares you for the second, third, and all those that come after. Your first pregnancy and child, prepares you for the second. Your first day on the job prepares you for the second.

I have another first that is more important than every other first. It was the first time I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. It wasn’t the first time I heard about Him. I learned about Jesus and God throughout my childhood. However, with all the opportunities to accept Him as my personal Savior, I didn’t take that all-important step until I sat alone with my Sunday school book in front of me doing the lesson for the next week. At the end of the lesson was a True/False quiz. The question that changed my life was the last question. Could I die for my faith. I didn’t have that kind of faith and I knew it. I needed to mark the line with an F. As soon as I did, I heard God’s audible voice for the first time asking me why not. It was in that moment, I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and I haven’t looked back. That was 44 years ago. My faith continues to grow, and I know I have a faith worth dying for.

Thank you for reading. I would love to know about your firsts.