Change is Good!

As I began to unpack, I ran across some old family photos. What an interesting story they tell. As we traveled through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and now the 10’s, we are reminded that things change. When we left Seminary, our kids were little, as we left Bergen, they were just becoming teenagers, when we left Rochester they were college and young adults. Now as we leave Waterloo, they are all married and with 7 children between the three of them.

Most change is accompanied by emotions and that is why we hold on so tightly. But if we can set that aside, we can say, “Change is good:” for who would like to stay in diaper land forever!!!

So since change is inevitable, let’s take a look at the good side of change. Here are a few things that I have thought just off the top of my head. And as I spark this thought in your mind, you can start to think of your own “good change.”

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to unclutter your life. As we got ready to make a move, it’s amazing often we said, “I’m not bringing that.” As we started to clean out, I wondered why we thought we really need so much stuff. It’s been said that an empty desk is an empty mind, but I’m not sure that is true. Have you ever considered that an empty desk could be a focused mind? In truth, clutter not only clutters your closets and walls, it clutters your mind as well. Hebrews 12 talks about setting our eyes on the goal i.e. looking to Jesus. The author goes on to say that we are to lay aside every weight and sin and easily ensnares us. Clutter is one of those weights that can ensnare us.

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to start fresh. It’s true that wherever you go, there you are, but it is also true that with a fresh start you can change your focus. Recently I’ve heard myself say, “When I get to New Jersey, I’m going to . . .” A new environment brings opportunities that might not have been available before.

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to meet and minister to new people. With time we develop friendships that carry responsibility. If we are not careful, we will spend all our time with old friends and forget that the Lord has called us to reach out, share the gospel and then help those new believers to grow in God’s grace.

Ø Change gives you an opportunity to see a new part of God’s creation. As I stood on my front porch, I looked around at approximately 500 trees. Living in the woods is a far cry from the cornfields of Iowa. Both are beautiful. I’m so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to live in different parts of the world and get to know and minister to a host of different people.

I’ve often said it’s never hard to say “hello” to new opportunities, it only saying “good-bye” that really hurts. But our “good-byes” can also free up our friends and family so that they can also minister to a new group of people.

So I’m determined to embrace this change and look forward to what God will do in and through me as I look ahead.