Have you ever wanted to fast forward through change

just to get it over with?

It often seems like the day to day change is almost more painful.

Years ago I changed careers.

After over twenty some years as a first grade teacher

I was moved by my awareness that my students were

getting older.

Married.

Raising children of their own.

They knew how to read and write but didn’t know how to have

a healthy relationship.

So I went back to school and studied hard

finally opening the doors to my private counseling practice.

I will never forget those days of waiting for the phone to ring.

Looking at an empty appointment book

Just longing for someone to call.

Change can be so hard.

Whereas in the past every year I was given a class of boys and girls

now I had to make my services known. And wait to serve.

I had to depend upon the Lord completely

and I sure did. But it was never easy.

Then there were the times I’d go to church or downtown

and someone would mention that I needed to be back in teaching,

or I had missed my true calling,

or imply that they knew best.

Sometimes I would try to respond graciously that I’m still a teacher.

Other times I’d just say something to get out of that situation.

But the truth was the change was hard for me as well as others.

We are more than what we do or where we live

Or our marital status

Or how many children we have.

Those all are aspects of our lives but life is filled with change.

Part of the transition is grieving our losses

and embracing the new.

Some of you reading this might be going through a transition right now.

Take time to grieve your losses

but also see the positives in today.

Praise the One Who is Lord of all of your life –

The past. The present. And the future.

Let Him lead you as you follow Him

through all the twists and turns of life.

Yes, through all the belly-flopping moments

where you wonder if you will ever be ok.

The Shepherd will provide for all of your needs

each step of the way.

Tenderly. Carefully. Ever so personally.

Lean upon Him and He will carry you through.

 

Psalm 23    The Lord IS my Shepherd