Although it is laughable, it reminds me of how we adults often react to change. We are creatures of habit who do not like to have our routines disrupted. When pushed out of our comfort zones, we tend to kick and scream. We blame God, we blame our circumstances, and we even blame the government. But eventually we learn that change is part of life.

Life is full of growth opportunities and change is required for growth. As John Maxwell said,” If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” Although our son was initially uncomfortable with the bathing experience, it wasn’t long before he learned to love it. When we allow ourselves to be open to new experiences they can be quite enjoyable and beneficial. 

You probably have some favorite quotes about change. Here are a few of mine:

“Change always comes bearing gifts.”  ~Price Pritchett

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

“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.”  ~Pauline R. Kezer

“It’s the most unhappy people who most fear change.”  ~Mignon McLaughlin,

“Every single thing changes and is changing always in this world.  Yet with the same light the moon goes on shining.”  ~Saigyo

“Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.”  ~Bertold Brecht

“The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.”  ~Japanese Proverb

“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.”  ~Confucius

“When you are through changing, you are through.”  ~Bruce Barton

My absolute favorite change quote is: “God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it’s me.”  ~Author Unknown

So let’s learn to accept change as an inevitable part of our lives. As people of faith we believe that God will work things out for our good. Psalm 37:23 says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Life is full of changes, let’s embrace them!

“The road is long, with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where, who knows where.”

These are the opening lyrics of a song by the Hollies that was released in 1969 and they provide a good description of life. It can be compared to a winding road with a beginning, an end, and hundreds of twists and turns along the way.  As human beings we prefer to know exactly what’s coming.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know the future? What’s around the next bend? At least we would know how to prepare and plan. But God did not set it up that way.  He gives us enough guidance and strength to face what is right in front of us. The strength to face what’s around the next bend will be provided when we get there.

In Psalm 37:23 David wrote “The steps of a good man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way and He busies Himself with his every step.”

In Psalm 119:105 David wrote, “Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” If you were using a lamp to guide you through a darkened place it would illuminate the area right in front of you. Notice that David did not say “your word is a flashlight” or “your word is a headlight.” Either of those lights would cast a beam quite a distance down the road. He used the word “lamp” because God’s Word provides just enough light to see the very next step.

That is what the faith walk is all about. As Paul wrote, “We walk by faith and not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7.  When you begin a journey the end is not in sight, but you know that if you keep traveling you will get there. Highway 101 can be used to travel from northern to southern California. You can’t stand in San Francisco and see Los Angeles, but if you stay on the road, you will eventually get there.

My life, like yours, has been a winding road with ups and downs, twists and turns; one continuous road of growth and development.  Like a good book it has been divided into chapters, where each chapter has marked the beginning of a new direction for me.  Each chapter has taught me lessons that I’ve needed to use along the way. Oddly enough each chapter has begun when my age ended with the number 5:

At age 15 I made my entrance into high school politics as sophomore class president. That year I learned lots about people, leadership, politics and myself.

At 25 my road turned toward matrimony when I met and married the love of my life. Since then I’ve learned so much about love, men, relationships and myself. And I’m still head-over-heels in love!

At 35 I hit a brand new bend in the road called motherhood. What a trip that has been!  Elizabeth Stone said “Making the decision to have a child – It’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” I have found that to be true. Although the umbilical cord was cut at birth, it was never totally severed – just reattached to my heart. Motherhood has been a great source of joy for me.  

At 45 I had the privilege of entering into full-time ministry as a newly ordained pastor.  Although I’ve been involved in church work all my life, what an honor it has been to serve God and His people in that capacity. I’ve needed to use every lesson that I learned from the earlier chapters of my life and have learned quite a few new lessons as well.

At 55 I wrote and published my first book.  Although I’ve written speeches, sermons, and devotions for many years, I never really defined myself as a writer.  It is amazing how God equips us with gifts and uses them differently at different times in our lives.

At 65…..don’t know, but I’ll let you know when I get there.  There are so many possibilities!