Changes

Life is full of change! We change schools, careers, homes, relationships, etc. Most change is hard and usually causes stress. Tragedy can strike, and our lives are changed forever -- a marriage dissolves, someone we love dies, a career change can disrupt our lives, or financial losses sweep away our security. Even a geographic change can be stressful! If the the truth was known, I would just as soon not take the above exit!! :)

How hard is it to adjust to change? I think it depends on whether or not the change was your idea. When we decide to change or change something in our life, we usually jump in with both feet, excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. When change is forced upon us, we rebel. We look for every reason that the change will not work.

After having a pretty "boring" life for so many years (I wasn't complaining!), I have had a multitude of changes happen in my life over the last three years, not all wanted. Some of the changes have brought tears to my eyes, pain to my heart, and questions to my soul. Other chances brought joy! I liken some of the changes in my life to removing a band aid, which can be quite painful and there are only two ways to do it -- peel it slowly or rip it off quick. Some of the changes in my life these last years have happened quickly and some have or are happening very slowly. Either way, it is painful!

How am I surviving all the changes? By taking it one day at a time and remembering that it's my perception of change that affects my thoughts, my feelings and my reactions. While I trust God with my eternal fate, I am ashamed to admit I find it difficult to trust him with the "here and now".

It is sooooo comforting to cling to the promises of God and remind ourselves that God does not change! He's the "constant" in my world right now.

"I the Lord do not change." Malachi 3:6

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8