Obviously, the commercial is an advertisement for getting away to travel. But we can all identify with the sentiment. We've all yearned for a new start in life. A new beginning where you can erase the painful memories of a failed marriage, an abortion, a police record, or the anguish of wayward children. We all have situations in our lives that can bring us to despair.

Such was the case for John Darwin of Hartlepool, England. He recently made worldwide news when he reappeared after missing for five years. Evidently, he had faked a drowning death in March 2002. His wife knew it all and collected the insurance policy that he held.

Together, they kept this secret away from their sons, who had grieved deeply over his suppose death. This was Mr. Darwin's attempt to get relief from the pressures of incredible debts they had accumulated. He is now facing prison and the alienation of his grown sons, who want nothing to do with him. His desire for freedom has led to deeper bondage.

We often think that finding a new beginning will solve all our problems. But it doesn't usually work that way. In scripture, Kind David's life is a good illustration of someone who longed for a fresh start. In Ps.51:3, he exclaimed, "and I know my transgression, and my sin is ever before me." This declaration was made after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba. The psalm points out David's repentance and later restoration.

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Nevertheless, in David's case, the baby died, further showing that sin always has consequences. And that it affects those around us, including our children. Still, David was given a fresh start with the Lord and went on to fulfill the purposes God had for his life. He became the best king Israel ever had and became a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).

So, if you have messed up your life in some way, like most of us have, the good news is you can have a second chance. But it doesn't come from running away and escaping. It comes when you face reality.

Perhaps you messed up so badly it hurt your children and your relationship with them. You won't solve the problem by avoiding them or ignoring the problem. You need to humbly address it, first with God, then with your children.

When you repent of your sin, God moves in and redirects your life, giving you the wisdom to walk in truth. The promise is found in Psalm 143:8: "Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning. For I trust in Thee. Teach me the way in which I should walk for to Thee, I lift up my soul."

A personal note: From one who has made mistakes in life and received a fresh beginning with the Lord, I can testify of the sweetness of His love and the gratitude that fills my heart. My invisible scars help to keep me close to the Lord, as He knows the way that I should take much better than any plan I can devise. It is my wish that your New Year be filled with hope in the Lord's lovingkindness.