Some people love it so much they choose to live a life of constant change. For example, people who choose to sell all their worldly possessions and travel the world living in a van or a boat. Then there are those of us who enjoy change or can move fluidly with the change, but maybe in a smaller way: a new job, remodeling/painting, a new car, etc. Then there is one final group: those of us who are totally and completely uncomfortable with any change, even if it is necessary, good, or right.
I fall into the latter group, completely uncomfortable with change every step of the way, even if I know it’s needed, even if I want the change to happen. I have recently found myself in what feels like a state of never-ending change. In May, I left my job as Behavioral Health Specialist at Cincinnati Children’s to become the director of Lord of Life Christian Preschool (LOLCP), our middle daughter graduated from Pre-K, and our 3 girls came home for the summer. In June, I began my new career as director of LOLCP, took on co-leading the Leaders In Training program at Vacation Bible School, became a Girl Scout Camp unit leader for the first time, and my husband took a new job. I am currently surrounded by change, and I would be lying if I said I was just rolling with it without anxiety and resistance.
I have been spending time in prayer, reflecting on change, and reflecting on my word for the year from the women’s retreat this year: discernment. I know all of these decisions have been carefully considered, evaluated, planned: discerned. So, I keep coming back to the question of why I question the change. Why do I resist the change I know is good and right? Why do so many of us struggle with change? I think it is because of the unknown, the uncomfortableness that first comes with any change, the unsettling feeling of all the normalcy you once felt being wiped away, and the new routines being put in place.
What does God say about change? These two verses stick with me in times of change and give me comfort and peace in knowing God is with me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Joshua 1:9 invites us, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Although I am still on a journey to fully accept change, I am able to find comfort in the day to day knowing God is with me and is guiding me to a beautiful future.
I invite you to reflect on change and your outlook. Are you like me and find yourself always uncomfortable in seasons of change? Are you a person who craves, wants, and likes changes? Does discernment come easy for you? How can God guide you in your journeys through change?
Journeying through discernment,
Nicole Wells