Change!

February 10, 2022

Changes!

I enjoy the adventure of meeting new people, visiting new places, and trying new things.  Yes, it takes energy but the reward is love and joy.  The cost of change opens the door to the rewards of love and joy. 

Change is part of life.  I appreciate the way in which the poet-preacher describes change.  In Ecclesiastes 3:1 we hear; “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” 

There are all kinds of moments and times and seasons in life.  Some are trying and difficult while others are blessing upon blessing.  We experience each one as change.

A couple of weeks ago, I announced I will be retiring on July 1.  There is some sadness in my heart because one season is coming to an end.  At the same time, there is joy because a new season is getting ready to start.

Change often brings a mix of emotions; sadness for what is going away (loss) and joy for what is coming next (hope).  There is a letting go of what was and a grasping onto what will be.  The change costs us something. 

In Ecclesiastes the poet-preacher describes the mix of emotions we experience when we go through a change.  He says there is “…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”

There can be tears and laughter at the same time.  There can be grief and dancing at the same time.  There can be a time to end and a time to begin at the same time.  Change releases all kinds of emotions.

When I announced to the congregation that I was retiring, many people experienced that mix of emotions.  People were excited and happy for my wife and me.  But at the same time, they were also sad and feeling some loss.

The people were reminded that change brings anxiety and sadness and grief.  Change also brings joy and energy and anticipation.  The challenge is sorting through all these emotions so we can feel the pain of letting go, celebrate what has been, and prepare for what Jesus is going to do next.

I invite you to pray as you navigate whatever change you are facing today.  Ask Jesus to take you by the hand to comfort you when there are tears, celebrate with you when there is joy, and to hold you when you are not sure what you are feeling.

When you do, your heart will delight in the faithfulness and love of Jesus.  Jesus will be your rock, your solid place, your refuge when everything else is uncertain.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug