How has your summer break? I hope you have been able to enjoy some vacation time. I took some time off and was determined to accomplish a few tasks that I had neglected around our house. Making a trip to the dump, cleaning up around the yard and house was great, and I was happy with the way my tasks were quickly being eliminated. Two days into my stay-cation having already accomplished a majority of the projects, I had in mind; I was suddenly given a new and unexpected project. Accidently, I found a few drops of water under one of the sinks in the main bathroom of our house. Not a lot of water mind you, but whenever you find water in a place it should not be, it is never a good sign. After a bit of investigation, I decided that I would try to tighten the fittings and see if this would solve the problem. The problem appeared to be solved at first, but later that same day I found more water. While attempting to check and re-tighten the fixtures and supply lines, my wrench slipped and whacked the hot water supply line. The 50-year-old line snapped like a twig and my little water problem was now a flood. Water was gushing out of the pipe at a tremendous velocity. I was a bit stunned at first, but quickly realized my predicament as water crashed into my chest and face. I instinctively put my thumb over the hole partially slowing its progress.
Surprise! Do you like to be surprised? I know… it depends on whether you are the “surpriser” or “surprisee.” I think it might be safe to say that we do not mind surprise when it is our doing, but to be surprised by something unexpected is usually not something the normal person enjoys or desires. Surprise often means adjustment (hopefully you were not so surprised that you need to change your clothing). Whenever something changes, it can often push us in the area of trust, and you might find yourself asking many questions like: Why is this happening? Why now? What were they thinking? Why me?
How do you handle change? Change is an essential element of life itself, yet we almost instinctively resist it. During this day and age, change is happening so quickly most people do not have the luxury of adapting gradually. The future belongs to those who anticipate change and have a plan to respond to it. We can never expect to control change, but we can control our response to it. The first thing to remember is that with every change someone experiences a sense of chaos. People experience anxiety with change even with the most thoughtful and careful communication about it. Even if the change is in the best interest of everyone involved. Therefore, a key to remember is to be open and flexible. Cultivate a habit of remaining open-minded and adaptable trying to see the benefits rather than becoming upset and frustrated. Remain calm, take a deep breath, relax, and assess the situation as objectively as possible. This can best be accomplished by asking open-ended questions. The critical issue in dealing with change is having control. Most of our stress and unhappiness comes as a result of feeling out of control. The only thing you have complete control over is your conscious mind. So take control of your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5 and Romans 12:1-2). Turn your thoughts to focusing on the One who gives peace (John 14:27). Trust in His character for He cares more about you and your situation than you can even realize (Matthew 6.25-34). We are about to start a new school year. We will face many changes, and together, with the Lord’s help, we will face the changes and remain in unity.
Thanks for reading.
