Change

Change is good -- soometimes.

There are many changes I like. I love the changing seasons. Personally it would be very hard for me to live in a place without four distinct seasons. I love each season for different reasons – and I love the change that comes with each new season.

I like to change the looks of things, to rearrange a room, to add new pictures, to change colors, to reorganize things so they are more efficient. Change can break up monotony.

Watching children grow and change is so exciting: New words, new accomplishments, new discoveries. Even with teens, the change is sometimes subtle, but little changes reflect growing maturity.

Yes, change is good.
But change is sometimes uncomfortable.

My husband recently changed jobs. It was an awesome change – but stressful nonetheless. There’s still so much for him to learn, and there are still so many “unknowns” as he steps into each new day.

Change is happening in my church as a new pastor will be officially installed this weekend. It’s not a total change because the “new” pastor has been on staff for several years and has been gradually assuming the cloak of leadership as our “old” pastor has been moving into new areas of ministry. It’s a good change, a sign of growth. But it is still a change. There’s the excitement of the new things coming and the sadness of the old things ending.

Change is a constant at my school. In the 4 years since I returned to work, I’ve served under 3 different principals. My classes have changed every year. Even the bell schedule has been different each year. The only thing that doesn’t change at the school is the fact that things always change. This week we saw yet another change: a teacher of many, many years resigned. She was (is) a beloved teacher and her leaving is painful. She is someone that I have grown to love and respect over the years, and I am so sad that she has left. BUT I’m also happy because one of my dearest teaching friends has returned to the school as the long-term sub. She is an amazing teacher, and I know she will do a phenomenal job. I’m thrilled because I get to visit with her more often again. I am sad for one friend and happy for another – I’m torn.

I’m not sure why, but I sense that other changes are on the horizon. My instincts are saying the changes are big; I can’t say why or what or even who the change involves. But I feel something coming. There’s a part of me that wants to put my head under the covers to hide and avoid the change. But there’s another part that wants to peak out and see what’s around the corner.

The good news in the midst of change is that God is in complete control, and he NEVER changes. Whatever change may come, I trust God. I know that he has a plan and he will use changes for good. Someday, I’ll look back at this season and be grateful for the variety, the beauty and the growth that comes from change. But for now, I’m just going to hold on tight.