It has been said that the only thing that is consistent in life is change. I have certainly found that to be true in my life. We sometimes bring about good changes by our aspiration and perspiration; and bad changes by our mistakes and bad decisions. But most changes are out of our control. I have written about the first major change I experienced at the age of nine when a house fire left us with the clothes we were wearing that day, our family car and a small book case the firemen pulled out before the ceilings began to cave in. Then, several years later, my mother died much too soon. Those traumatic changes were completely out of our control.
While going through those stressful times, it is comforting to know that change for the better is sure to come. On the other hand, when we are enjoying success and pleasant times we often forget about change. When any of my friends on social media have a wedding anniversary, I always wish them a happy anniversary and then remind them to continue cherishing every precious moment together. They all know my present situation and why I offer that advice.
Even when change is predictable, it is often difficult. My father worked at an auto assembly plant. His job was to keep a specific segment of the assembly line stocked with the needed parts to install on the vehicles. Every year the plant would close for two weeks for model change. The assembly line would be updated and the new parts would be delivered. I remember my father rattling off part numbers in his sleep during those stressful times.
Some people handle change better than others. My wife was very organized and enjoyed having a set routine. At her memorial service, I described how every change in her life was a mountain for her to climb until she reached a level routine stage again. Then I shared that my biggest mountain to climb was facing life without her.
While change is a part of life, as Christians we have the unchangeable mercy, grace, love and Spirit of God within us. When smooth sailing suddenly becomes a tidal wave of stormy seas, the steady, peaceful hand of our Lord is the anchor we can depend on. The change may be out of our control, but nothing is out of His control. I can’t imagine going through the changes of life without the stability of my heavenly Father right there with me. Even when I face that final change from mortal life to eternal life with Him, I won’t have to face it alone,