Ch-Ch-Ch-Change

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

Things change…it’s just a fact!  Sometimes it’s a delightful fact, like when the time changes and I get to sleep an extra hour or when the timer dings and the squishy dough has changed into delicious homemade cinnamon rolls.  Other times changes aren’t so whippy, like when the sands of time shift, and the only perky thing left is my smile or when my biceps droop south and become a  waving flag every time I raise my arm.  I thought not having to shave my legs was awesome until I realized those little hairs were sprouting out my chin instead.  Oh, and one more; I thought calling myself the most “mature” teacher in the building instead of the “oldest” was great until three kids in one week called me grandma.  I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m looking at things all wrong; change is gonna happen and I can either roll with it or let it roll right over me!

I’ve decided to roll with it!  After all, the things time does to a person are really kinda funny and sometimes I think it’s God’s great way of making sure I get plenty of humility practice.  You might wonder what precipitated this “pondering”.  It all started when I was standing on a step-stool in the classroom fixing one of the curtains and a sweet  middle lovely walked into the room and with shock, asked if it was really a safe idea for me to be climbing on things.  I would have given anything to have had the courage to jump right off the third step and shock his socks off but right before I attempted it, I had a vision of me landing wrong and breaking something or putting out an eye and requiring a call to 911 leaving the poor child scarred for life so I just winked and thanked him for his concern and promptly put him on the steps-stool to be the hero and save the classroom from a drooping curtain disaster.  That afternoon as I riffled through the piles on my desk looking for that one piece of paper I put in a safe place, I realized time changes lots of things and along with the things that are different, so many things are made better by change; if we have the courage to see them.

I realize I’m really not THAT old but when I’m surrounded by co-workers half my age, it can feel like it.  I had a visit last month with my 92 year old Great Aunt Patricia and realized that change and age are part of life.  Aunt Patricia has an absolutely infectious laugh, a keen knowledge of the world around her, a savvy awareness of college sports and the Kansas City Cheifs plus enough spunk for a dozen people. As we chatted in my dads hospital room she made me realize that life isn’t always what you think you sighed up for but it’s never more than you can handle. It’s funny, but as I watched her drive away in her 1988 Pontiac Bonneville I didn’t notice gray hair, wrinkles or arm flags.  I noticed an amazing woman, who to this day, raises a disabled child, mows her lawn, cleans her house and goes to Mass often.  I don’t see age, I see a wonderful lady who has rolled right along with the changes life has tossed in her lap.  If my 90’s can look that funny and spunky and wise; bring it on…I got a true glimpse of my gene pool and I was excited! 

Speaking of changes, the Joyful Words website is about to undergo a big re-construction project.  Starting Wednesday, the site will be temporary closed so a very talented web designer named Debbie can swoop in and fancy things up.  Stay tuned, changes are on the way.  While we wait, please know I’m praying for you and thanking the Father for this really cool journey we’re sharing.  Thank you for coming back again and again to read what the Holy Spirit sends me.  

A Seed To Plant:  What changes are you struggling with right now?  Take them to prayer and ask for the patience, wisdom and courage to face them and move through them gracefully.​

Blessings on your day!