Tag Archives: growth

Change Really Does Matter

I was visiting with someone not long ago about church décor.  She was lamenting that painted walls show scuffs and wall hangings are never quite straight.  She clearly communicated her preference for paneling and limited decor.  I love this woman and she’s certainly entitled to her opinion; however, I’m grateful that the leadership at our church has embraced change because Change Really Does Matter.

Painted paneling before (2)

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’m often a champion of the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  I do find that I sometimes create work for myself, reinventing the wheel when the existing wheel is effective and efficient.  That being said, I’m a fan (and I think most of my friends under the age of 60) are fans of updating and freshening-up stale, dated spaces.

Our conversation led me to ponder change in general.

Our family has undergone considerable change the last several years:

  • A change in careers for both my husband and I was a step of obedience for us.  We truly believe The Lord led us to new opportunities to serve.
  • Franklin and I made a move in our housing situation in July, purchasing a fixer-upper, to eliminate debt.  Suffice it to say, the renovations have challenged us and we’re looking forward to completing them over the course of the next year.
  • And finally, we’ve chosen to home school our children.  Homeschooling makes for busy days and very little alone time but we know our children better now and have been able to speak into their lives in very significant ways.

Our housing, career, and schooling changes were situations we pondered, prayed about, and ultimately chose for ourselves; but change is often not a choice.  It is often unexpected, unwelcomed, and untimely.

I’ve also been wrestling with the idea of growth in the midst of change.

Truly, the rub that change produces in our lives often results in Spiritual growth.  While we might embrace change (and embrace the resultant growth), there are certainly times when change hurts.  We’d rather not have to walk through the pain and we’d certainly argue that the resultant “growth” was not necessary.

And if you’re like me, pride factors into the change/growth scenario.

I recently found myself in a sad spot, focusing on perceived wrongs I’d suffered.  In no uncertain terms The Lord was (is) calling me to change my heart, regardless of every other variable in the situation.  He seeks to change my heart because He intends to continue growing me in my understanding of His ways, His truth, and The Life He offers.  He’s calling me to change and He’s calling me to continued growth because, “He’s not finished with me yet.”

Lord, help us embrace change as an opportunity to grow in our understanding of who You are and who You intend us to be.  Mold us to make us more like You and use us as You will to share Your love and light.  Amen

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