The god of beginnings

A couple of years ago, when I first visited Mumbai and was preparing to leave and come home, I was given a gift by the group I'd been there to spend time with and train. It was a metal wall hanging of the Hindu god Ganesh, who is the god of beginnings, among other things. Wherever I've lived since (and incredibly, I'm on apartment #3 since then), I've kept Ganesh near my front door to welcome everyone who comes to visit and to greet me when I return home after being away. Seeing him makes me think of the graciousness of everyone I met in Mumbai, the lasting impact that going there has had on my thinking, and just the idea of new beginnings large and small. I love the idea of a god of beginnings -- in Christianity, God is all-encompassing, so it's rare that we characterize God in really specific ways, such as creating new beginnings. But I think that's one of the most real and satisfying ways I've found to think of God -- it rings true. It seems that so many people I know, including myself, are beginning new chapters in their lives right now. And it's a wonderful thing, even as the changes feel somewhat overwhelming at times. But it feels like strands in a larger fabric, and I guess having Ganesh around reminds me of all that there is to look forward to.