I don’t like change. I am a creature of habit, a tradition lover, and very sentimental. But, it seems the older I get, the more change I must endure. Life seems to be changing at a faster rate than before. Change can be exciting or difficult, but what it cannot be is…avoided. It will happen. The verb definitions of change are to make different or to substitute with something else. Whether something is modified or replaced, it has an affect on us, and anything that affects us affects those around us. 

Types of Change

Exciting changes, that you know are coming, bring happiness and adventure. Events like buying a house, starting a new job, or adopting a pet are changes you chose to make, possibly even prayed for. You are able to take the steps necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Difficult change, big or small, often brings worry. But when you have the hindsight, you have time to prepare. You are able to get ready physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.

I am a processor. If something is altered, for the good or for the bad, I must think things through. With expected change, I am able to pray about it, prepare myself for emotions that may be coming and set my mind to a positive vibe.

Other times change comes out of nowhere. It is like a Jack-In-The-Box. You are going along listening to a merry tune and POP; it’s in your face. If it is a good change, we are all about it. But if it is an undesired change, you are unable to brace yourself. It is like an unwelcome demand for something you aren’t ready for. We don’t like these modifications because they are hard, uncomfortable, painful, or humbling.

When negative, unexpected change occurs, we often react in a not-so-good way. We may wallow in self-pity, lash out against others or God, or become apathetic.Don’t! Don’t cling to what cannot be recovered. Don’t focus on the loss involved. Instead focus on the good memories before the change.

Smiles, not Miles

My son, Tucker drives a large Ford F250 that has a lift. I drive a small SUV. Recently, he was going somewhere and I offered for him to take my car. He is known for his sense of humor, so I wasn’t surprised at this response. “That car is embarrassing. It’s so close to the ground it’s like driving a go-cart down the road.” My reply was, “Well, it gets great gas mileage.” He replied, “It’s not about the miles, it’s about the smiles.”

That phrase is so true in life. Rather than focus on the miles of disappointing change we have all faced in life, focus on the smiles that happened on the way. When you do reflect on the way things used to be, keep your mind set on the happy moments.

The year 2021 will be filled with change: expected and unexpected, good and bad. No matter what each day brings, God will show you the way.

“Whether you turn to the right or turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)