READY OR NOT

I love this time of year when the leaves begin to turn and summer gives way to fall. Watching the leaves reveal their varying colors creating picturesque landscapes is mesmerizing. Seasonal change is inevitable. In the same way, change is an inevitable part of our lives. In fact, Heraclitus of Ephesus asserted that, “The only constant in life is change.” Ben Franklin reminds us of the importance of personally adapting to life’s seasons of change when he said, “When you are finished changing, you are finished”. 

If the one constant is that change will affect each of us, then the variable would be how each of us will embrace change. Change can be enjoyable, even exciting for some, and very difficult for others. Some are able to passionately embrace change with skill. They thrive in it. However, being that we tend to be creatures of habit, it is understandable that others can become overwhelmed by change and succumb to the newness of it. Personally, I have had to learn to embrace change. In doing so, I have discovered that making room for change carries many benefits, perhaps the most important is unexpected growth. As scary as it can be, change can be good when we learn to navigate through it. True growth happens when we learn to embrace change as it arrives.

As we journey through life, there will be change; job, location, relationship, economic and health changes, just to name a few. Beyond the landscape of our individual lives, the world around us is changing and many times it is beyond our control. The question we must ask ourselves is what will we do about it? Complain, wish for the way it was, or to make the most of it and prepare for unexpected growth.

As a follower of Christ, there is great comfort in knowing that no matter what changes we face there is one in whom we can put our trust who never changes. Faith is a steadying force that allows us to navigate the changes that occur in our world, and in our lives, without losing our way. Faith keeps us focused and keeps our feet on the ground when everything else seems to be topsy-turvy. I pray that as you encounter change, you will always know that you can rely on the God who never changes.