Most of the time I welcome change with open arms. I’ve
become
But that wasn’t always the case. The changes I went through
while growing up were painful. I moved a lot with my family and lived in five
different states by the time I reached high school. My dad worked for the US
Forestry Service, so we were transferred about every four years.
By the time I
felt secure in my surroundings and had strong friendships, we were packing
again and saying goodbye.
I grew up feeling insecure and painfully shy. I never felt I
fit in anywhere.
When I started high school, I was the new girl again. I
hated that label. I was pushed to the limit trying to make new friends and fit
in.
I remember one day realizing how foreign it was to me that
one of my new friends was born and raised in the same house, never seeing new
towns, experiencing new things. While I envied her stable life, I realized I
was appreciative of all the changes I’d experienced, all the people I met along
the way and places I was fortunate to live in.
After I married my Army husband at age 19, we moved to
another country. When he got out of the Army, we returned to the states and
became Christians shortly afterward and began setting roots in Jesus and His
unchanging word.
We bought our first house where I thought I could set down
stakes and settle for at least the next 20 years. Four years later I was caught
up by the winds of change again when my husband left and I became a single mom.
The years that followed were the hardest I’ve ever endured. But I learned that
true stability and security lies in God’s unchanging love, His Word and
character. I learned that setting roots and settling in to live with Him is the
only secure and stable place to be.
I remarried in 2007, and have lived in the same house for 12
years. That’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere and I’m almost 60!
We’re about to pull up stakes and sell our house to move two
hours from where we live now. It means leaving our beloved friends and
everything that’s familiar.
My daughter and her family recently relocated six hours south
of me. That means road trips back and forth, especially to see those precious
granddaughters.
Another big change is I’m leaving my job, where I’ve worked
since 1991, with a couple of hiatuses over the years. Turning a milestone age
of 60 is sobering, as I’m caught up again in the winds of change.
I want to glide gracefully through these winds of change,
staying anchored and secure in the God I’ve come to know to be the One and only
unchanging constant in my life.
Jesus Christ is the
same yesterday and today
and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Are you facing changes in your own life? Do you feel out of
control and unstable as you are blown about through the winds of change?
Whether or not the changes in your life are good or bad, I want
you to know that your stability and foundation are sure in Christ. Stay close
to Him by spending time alone in His word and telling Him your fears and concerns.
Cast all your anxiety
on Him because
He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I want you to know Jesus can be fully trusted and wholly
leaned upon as you anchor yourself in Him. As you do, you will not be blown off
course through unexpected changes.
Psalm 94:22 But the
Lord has become my fortress,
and my God, the Rock in whom I take refuge.
I invite you to share below in the comments about how you
have stayed the course through life’s winds of change.
Staying the course,
Terri
