Change - Part 1

"Change is good."

People like me want to punch people who say things like that in the sidethroat. I'm not a proponent of violence, but I'm also not entirely in favor of change.

Change can be good. Just in recent history (recent as in the past few centuries), we've seen amazing changes that have positively affected people. From slavery to emancipation, women's rights, minority rights, technological advances, mission work, and so on, changing people's circumstances and situations for the better have impacted their lives in ways mostly indescribable.

Even still, I prefer this quote from Mark Twain:

“The only person who likes change is a wet baby.”

I find that much more accurate.

I am in the midst of an intense season of transition, where change is not only imminent but also very prevalent.

Within the past twelve months I have experienced a great deal of change:
*my mother suffered a debilitating stroke;
*from May to May I had moved twice, going from two different roommates, to living alone, to living in a generous family's backyard.
*I have watched an incredible friend bury her brother and marry the love of her life.
*I have celebrated an anniversary with the most amazing man on the planet, with whom I never would have guessed since we ended our relationship Easter 2011
*I have taken classes at a seminary and traveled to Europe thrice.
*I have intentionally cut off people from whom I could never have imagined being separated. 
*I have taken steps towards reconciliation with people who have hurt me.
*I have grown in my faith.
*I have learned how to love better.
*I have learned how to accept and extend grace better.
*I have experienced things I never would have imagined, many I would never have chosen, but all of which have made me a better person...a better Christ-follower.
*I experienced change.
*I have been changed.

Change is good.

As I continue to embark on this journey many people term "life," I become increasingly aware that my only purpose on this Earth is to fulfill God's will. 

Because we hear this phrase so often I think many have become desensitized to this idea. Recently, though, my eyes have been opened and I have embraced a new perspective. 

"What is God's will for my life?" is a hot topic in the Christian community. There have been countless books, articles, sermons, etc. that serve to uncover and help us in determining God's will for our lives so that we can live a fuller, more satisfying life.

As I continue to simplify my own life, I have been challenged to simplify my thinking. To know God's will for your life does not necessarily mean you have to know exactly what God's will is for your entire life.

Let me explain. It is not necessary to know what God wants you to do tomorrow in order to understand what He wants you to do today. In fact, if you are not obedient in what He has laid in front of you today, you might not even get to what He has planned for you tomorrow. 

Amidst all this change, I am challenged to take each day as it comes, to learn God's will for me at the time, and to accept the fact that it will likely be transformed as my time on this Earth increases.

A few of my posts this summer have related to the act of obedience and the step of faith I am about to take, about which I have been intentionally vague up until now.

So what is the big change that has yielded MANY lessons of patience and complete faith in the Lord?

Well, check back in a few days for Part 2. (And for those of you who already know, keep your trap shut. Spoiler comments ruin the art of suspense on a poorly-maintained blog!)

"Now in this hope we were saved, 

yet hope that is seen is not hope, 

because who hopes for what he sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see,

we eagerly wait for it with patience."

Romans 8:24