We are on the cusp of fall and what a great reminder that life is all about the changing of seasons. What comes to mind for you when you think about change? Many different ideas may be coming up for you with this thought exercise. Change in and of itself can be thought of as neutral, however, what does the change mean? How does it impact me and my circumstances? What about the world and my view of it? What will happen now and what does the path forward look like? How do I get through this? These are among many significant questions that one may ask and explore in the face of change.
There is an inevitable shift when change occurs as a new reality breaks through and begins to take hold. This new reality brought on by change brings to bear a new landscape and with this both challenges and opportunities as we discover and experience change. Getting through change can feel a bit like riding the rapids or enduring a strong storm; and digesting change can take time as we are grasping the full context of a new season and acclimating to it. Many factors come into play as change introduces us to something new, something uncertain, and perhaps something completely unknown.
Change can come on slowly, quickly, with anticipation, or without any forewarning whatsoever. Change comes in so many formats. It may be something we have chosen, or conversely, it may be most unwelcome and shocking. It may come about slowly, or it may be sudden and unsettling. In some cases, it may be scary, painful, disconcerting and grievous; or it may be exciting, stimulating, joyful and fun. There is a vast array of emotional experiences that may accompany change!
Though change is a natural and common aspect of life, change can be quite challenging, and this new threshold is often a call to adapt and to grow. The task here: to observe what is happening, acknowledge it, process it, and accept it. Another part of the journey may include working toward an understanding of oneself and working through feelings. It may be useful to explore one’s own perspective and to take time for self-reflection. It may also help to identify what is within one’s control and what is not, and to work toward understanding what needs to be done. Also, it may be helpful to look to the future and prepare for what may come next. In some cases, it may be necessary to work toward finding peace and letting go of the past season. An integration may be called for in this new season as space may be needed to work things out. Adjustment and reorienting may take time. Change can shake things up for us and leave us reeling and at a loss for words. Truly, change is not always an easy proposition!
There are many things that can be supportive and helpful when change comes to pass. Awareness is key as this enables us to gather useful information along the way. We can work toward understanding ourselves, others, and our circumstances as we move ahead. Being mindful and tuned in to one’s own needs is also something valuable. Healthy support and boundaries can likewise be particularly important as well. All these factors can all aid us in our journey as we process our experiences, develop a sense of meaning, connect with purpose, mobilize where needed, and work through whatever we are facing. Another powerful component is having a growth-oriented mindset and giving ourselves room to expand.
The following words of wisdom are from Viktor Frankl, Austrian Holocaust survivor, psychiatrist, philosopher and author. He overcame some of the most difficult circumstances himself and he shares the following insights and words of wisdom about change in his powerful book, Man’s Search for Meaning:
- “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
- “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
- “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.”
Let us also consider faith! This can be instrumental as faith often helps fill in the gaps and make a way through what may seem like the wild and treacherous wilderness. The following scriptures draw upon truth as God reminds us that He is bigger than anything we will face in life:
Matthew 11:28-30
28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
8The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Philippians 4:6
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Hebrews 4:16
16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Ephesians 6:11-17
11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
In conclusion, change is something we can expect to experience in life. We may not have a choice about change sometimes; however, we do have a choice about how we walk through it. It seems wise to equip yourself for the seasons of life by anchoring to truth and remaining open to growth. John C. Maxwell famously stated: “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” We certainly have a choice about that!