A Sure Thing … UGH!

Change …

It’s as sure as the huge warning sign cemented in the front yard. You know, the one on the large yellow triangle: “Changes Coming.” Well, it may not be there, but it should be. Change is a constant. We know it will happen, yet we’re surprised by it. 

Like when I was a young mom and every time I thought my baby was on a schedule … nope, he wasn’t! As sure as we’re born, changes keep happening.

Ugh … changes grate so against our natural inclinations to nest, snuggle-in, build a dependable/reliable life and rest in the familiar. For all our efforts, change has its way. As long as we have breath, processes occur.

Perspective …

Viewpoint #1: Change means you are alive! 

If you can’t find solace in any other aspect, start here!

Even though it seems antagonistic to our emotions, change is inherent in our DNA. Coming to grips and admitting change will occur even if, “you don’t like it”, is a first step in coping and resolving its issues.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates

The work of coping with change actually lies in our emotions/heart. The outward is easy compared to the inward. Yes, I cried when my son took his first steps onto a school bus, but putting him on that bus was not the hardest part; I knew he was safe. The most difficult part was getting my emotions to catch up with what my brain knew was true. I had to cope and deal with my emotions. I had to get myself comfortable with separation and learn to entrust his care to others. And I needed to put his needs, growth and development ahead of my own feelings.

Viewpoint #2: Instead of fighting it, learn to embrace and cope with it. 

If you always see it as a battle, it will conquer you. It will happen despite your best efforts to combat it. If you see it as a new beginning instead of an ending, you can reframe this potential enemy into a positive. Uncharted territory holds adventure, promise, potential and unknown possibilities.

To all those who have a ginormous “Change” sign in their front yards, take comfort – we all stand with you. 

Take heart in the words of Thomas Hardy,:

“Time changes everything, except something within us which is always surprised by change.” 

Give your heart time to catch up and marvel at those caterpillars you just sent off, which will soon be butterflies.

If other changes are bigger in your life like a job, move, relationships, loss or other places the familiar has been upended… give your heart time to catch up with your new reality. It doesn’t always happen as quickly as we’d like! 

When days, weeks and months are especially brutal,

Remind yourself to “Just Breathe”.

Cling to what grounds you. For me, it is my faith in God. I believe, God is in ultimate control of my life. I trust His heart that loves me despite the sadness and brokenness in this world. He helps me walk through the hardest changes.

*** Our family has been going through 11 months filled with change after change, hard and difficult seem like easy words in comparison. I am sure, some of them will make their way to a post here.

*** If you are going through a heavy heavy season of change, it would be my privilege to pray especially for you. Just comment below, asking for prayer, no explanation needed and I will lift your name, specifically, to my Heavenly Father who loves both of us!!

*** Remember: Some day’s breathing will be the most important task you accomplish!

 

Holding His Hand, Gazing Forward,

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