The only thing in life that is constant...change

I am trying really hard to find positives with the changing of the season this year. The darkest times in my mind correlate with the change from summer to fall. The cold and rain brings me back to difficult days and the sting is painful. In a month my Dad will be gone from this world for a year. The seasons will continue to change. Life will continue to change. The only thing in life that is constant is change.

We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.
~Harrison Ford

As soon as a baby meets the outside world, they start to transform. They gradually spread out their little arms and legs, open their eyes more frequently and cry out for attention. Some loose hair, some grow hair, some look like Mommy, some look like Daddy. One thing is certain, they are always changing. It doesn’t seem to bother them.

Nothing that is can pause or stay;
The moon will wax, the moon will wane,
The mist and cloud will turn to rain,
The rain to mist and cloud again,
Tomorrow be today.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To me it seems like children change every second! Their hair grows, they loose teeth, they gain attitude. They are constantly learning and testing the waters. Their attitudes and mannerisms are always changing as they grow. It doesn’t seem to bother them.

"Great changes in the destiny of mankind can be effected only in the minds of little children." - Sir Herbert Read

Once we grow up, change is much more difficult! We get into routines; we enjoy the security of knowing what will happen next. We grow to expect who will complete certain tasks. We rely on certain people to provide emotional support or lend a hand or simply just be there. One day they aren’t and it’s difficult. When we are forced to deal with change it shakes our world.

Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history. ~Joan Wallach Scott

Sometimes moving half way across the country is the best decision for your immediate family. Financially and strategically the move positions you at the most advantageous place in the current work force. Everyone in the family is in complete agreement that the move should and will take place, but that doesn’t make the transition any easier. Family and friends are left behind. People that you were used to seeing daily are now miles and miles away. What is your response to change?

Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed.
~Irene Peter

When a family member passes away it changes the entire dynamic of the family. People assume different roles, fill their spare time with different activities and start a new normal. Sometimes new people fill the void of once familiar characters in the story. As an adult rather than a child, how will you react?

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

Imagine working all of your life to get to a point of financial stability. Anxiously you count down the years until you are able to retire. You dream of vacations, visiting your grandchildren and relaxing on your patio. Within a few short months you have full custody of your grandchild because one parent isn’t able to care for the child and the other decides life on earth is too difficult. Pretty big change, how would you react?

The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind. ~William Blake

What if you were 18, had the whole world in front of you, planned to attend a prestigous military school...until you collapsed on the lacross field and were diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. How would you handle the change of being on the waiting list for a heart transplant? for a little backgroud click here How would you deal with the changes after your heart transplant? In constant fear of rejection and infection or would you continue to tell people "Life is Good!"? Over two years post heart transplant, this young man is dealing with rejection and infection, but still trying to protect his family and friends from how bad the change really is. Would you be as graceful in your response to such change?

Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.

What makes change so much easier for babies and small children? Is it their lack of fear of change? Perhaps it is because they are more sheltered from the bad changes than adults. Is it because they have complete faith in the support network provided by their family? Maybe it’s because the outlook of children is much more positive and uplifting than that of most adults.

Everyone deals with change, but the way each person deals with it is completely different. As I deal with change, I have decided to give the quote below my heart and best effort. Physical changes are hard enough. Have you ever tried to loose weight or maybe you drastically changed your hair color, it’s difficult. Changes on the inside are even more difficult than the changes on the outside, but so far the changes on the inside have been worth it.

This is your life, don’t close your eyes.


Romans 12:2
New International Version (NIV)
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

PS: I was totally "poor me-ing" this weekend thinking about how things change...until I thought about some of the other people I know that are dealing with much bigger changes than me! Today I am trying to focus on the positive changes. Oscar, an absolutely wonderful and amazing change went to church for the first time. Very soon I'll get to see pictures of Cooper (taken by Rachel Vanoven so they will be absolutely 100% adorable, no doubt)! And other gleeful changes to come, too!

Prayers to the Coy family, the sweet girl and her grandparents and everyone else having a rough time with change.