Thursday, July 11, 2013

Finding Joy in Change

Good morning Change Heroines.  Today I am reflecting on how every circumstance we find ourself in is an opportunity to touch someone's life for the better.  I am not on a journey towards self-realization.  I am on a journey to know more about who I am in Christ Jesus.  Every situation we encounter is a mirror.  Did we focus on ourselves or others?  There are no positives or negatives. There are just changes.  Professionals talk about the four quadrants of change. Denial, Anger, Bargaining and Acceptance.  There are actually many other models - this is a simple one by Kubler-Ross used in dealing with Grief.  However any change, positive or negative theorists predict most people will spend time in each of these quadrants.

If change is an inevitable part of our life than we can only seek to react as our Lord reacts.  We are called to be joyful in all circumstances - all situations.  When a door closes we can rejoice knowing that eventually another door will open because God wants good things for His people.  

Can you rejoice in knowing that God is working in and through you and others involved in the change to teach you humility, compassion, gratitude, and His strength in your weakness?  Can you rejoice knowing that there is no one to blame?   Blame is a part of our humanness, while acceptance and love are characteristics of the Spirit that dwells in us.  Can we set aside ego, pride and our anger at injustice to reach acceptance immediately?  Can we not live in the past and hold onto our anger, bitterness and confusion?  Can we accept our own responsibility in the situation and look towards a path that does not condemn but seeks to do what is right for the common good?

I believe that we can - not in our strength - but in His.  

In our lives we will be faced with many obstacles and change.  Despair, unhappiness, anger are all emotional reactions.  We can bring our emotions into check through regular prayer and regular submission of our personal interests.  They say that nice guys finish last - but I believe that there is no last or first - there is only acceptance of our future knowing that God has his hand on us and knows what is best.

What about today?  Is there something you hold on to that robs your joy?  Do you harbor feelings of anger or bitterness that you know stops you from allowing yourself to accept, love and forgive?  If there is....go to prayer. Humble yourself. Take your eyes off yourself and your circumstances and put them on God.  Let Him rule your emotions and your reactions.  You will find that it is possible to live in peace as the currents push and pull you.  Look for the beauty in the outcome.  It is there.  Seek and ye shall find.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

**Cathy is a speaker, writer, worship leader and available for speaking engagements.  Contact her at cwoolaway@yahoo.com or 217 521 2070.


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