Change seems to be a steady companion of each new year. As I sit and ponder how I really feel about change, I must admit that for most of my life I have tried to avoid change. Having grown up as a missionary kid, I guess I have had more than my share of this mostly unwelcome guest.
As I have been reflecting on this, it came to my mind that perhaps, just perhaps, there is some good in change. I think of how my kids left our home, a change that I was not super thrilled about. But as I think deeper about this, I don’t think I would really want to stifle their lives by keeping them here with us, all tucked in and “safe” with their mom and dad. That change was a needed change for their own growth. I have also found that change, to be a good change for me, I had to learn to let go and let God continue His work in their lives.
Another change I am experiencing currently is that of getting older. As I see the uninvited limitations that start creeping into my life, I sometimes have a difficult time welcoming that change. Since I do not tend to cultivate a bright and shiny disposition naturally, I must work harder at finding things to be thankful for. As I age, this has become a greater challenge, but by God’s mercy and grace I have been able to find things to thank Him for, even through the changes as I mature.
All that being said, I believe that it is innately human to long for something that is unchanging. And so as I have continued to ponder, my mind finds great rest in the fact that we serve an unchanging God in a life which seems to be constantly changing. As I settle on that thought, it gives me great comfort. That which is pure and true and holy is never going to change. I, who tend toward sin and unholiness do not need to stay in that state. I am invited to change to become more like Christ who always has been, is, and will always be, as He is. Oh how that alters my thoughts on change! I would not have it any other way. I want and need the change in my life that is always transforming me more into the image of Christ.
As I look to this new year, I welcome it. I dare it to bring all the change with it that it needs to bring me closer to my Lord and make me a more useful vessel for His purposes.
Come on new year, bring on your change! I welcome you!
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