Change marked our summer. On September 1st, I found myself writing the following words in my journal, “The summer that never happened is now over.”
The months of June, July, and August burst at the seams with demanding activity. Our house went on the market and sold in five days. Six weeks later, we packed and moved out of our home and into a nearby apartment. And on top of the real estate shuffle, Larry underwent a sophisticated heart procedure (Watchman Flx Pro Device). In this unusual context of change on steroids, I became a learner.
6 Observations of Change
Change steps into our known, dances around, saunters out, and leaves us facing the unknown. In this space of unknown, we feel our greatest degree of humanness.
2. Change reminds us that we are not and never were in control.
3. Change is a reality and the more we resist the harder it will be to adapt; the sooner we accept the change, the more peaceful and productive will be our sphere.
4. Change is saturated with opportunities to learn new lessons and live out old ones.
5. God makes change a beautiful, lifegiving, energizing experience when we release our change into His kind, capable Hands, and ask Him to use it for His glory and our good.
6. “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Only Jesus will bring stability in my change, through my change, and out of my change.
Perspectives that Help Navigate Change
Just like missteps on the dance floor can result in stumbles, so missteps in the context of change can lead to slips and falls. These perspectives offer balance.
Embrace change as an ongoing reality in life. Gently tell yourself, “So be it.”
Consider the view of Julian of Norwich — “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
Find lifegiving routines to fit into your day, i. e. a devotional, a cup of coffee, a walk, a bath, a good book.
Seek out the company of fun people for refreshing fellowship.
Live in the promises of God. A hallmark verse for change is found in Psalm 84:5,7, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. They go from strength to strength.” (Like wow! Bring it on!)
Prayer: “Lord, please let change change me for better, not for worse. When I want to resist, motivate me to release. When I want to fight, turn my chin to fix my gaze on Your Face. When I want to go back, give me eyes to see You leading me forward in paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Amen.”
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
When was the last time you experienced a significant degree of change in your life? What brought it about?
Take a moment and describe how change affects you. Perhaps you feel like the elderly gentleman in the Hallmark movie who said, “Change! Most of the changes I’ve experienced in my life were not wanted.” Or maybe you are energized by the fresh opportunities change brings. What would you say?
What has God taught you as you walk with Him through change?
