Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Pixabay (2017), CC0 Public Domain
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Things change … it’s just a fact! Sometimes it’s a delightful fact, like when the time changes and I get to sleep an extra hour, or when the timer dings and the squishy dough has changed into delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. Other times, changes aren’t so happy, like when the sands of time shift and the only perky thing left is my smile, or when my biceps droop south and become a waving flag every time I raise my arm. I thought not having to shave my legs was awesome until I realized those little hairs were sprouting out my chin instead. Oh, and one more: I thought calling myself the most “mature” teacher in the building instead of the “oldest” was great until three kids in one week called me grandma. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m looking at things all wrong; change is gonna happen and I can either roll with it or let it roll right over me!
I’ve decided to roll with it! After all, the things time does to a person are really kinda funny and sometimes I think it’s God’s great way of making sure I get plenty of humility practice. You might wonder what precipitated this “pondering.” It all started when I was standing on a step-stool in the classroom fixing one of the curtains and a sweet middle lovely walked into the room and with shock, asked if it was really a safe idea for me to be climbing on things. I would have given anything to have had the courage to jump right off the third step and shock his socks off but right before I attempted it, I had a vision of me landing wrong and breaking something or putting out my eye and requiring a call to 911, leaving the poor child scarred for life, so I just winked and thanked him for his concern and promptly put him on the stepstool to be the hero and save the classroom from a drooping curtain disaster. That afternoon as I rifled through the piles on my desk looking for that one piece of paper I put in a safe place, I realized time changes lots of things, and along with the things that are different, so many things are made better by change; if we have the courage to see them.
I realize I’m really not THAT old but when I’m surrounded by co-workers half my age, it can feel like it. I had a visit last month with my 92-year-old Great-Aunt Patricia and realized that change and age are part of life. Aunt Patricia has an absolutely infectious laugh, a keen knowledge of the world around her, a savvy awareness of college sports and the Kansas City Chiefs, plus enough spunk for a dozen people. As we chatted in my dad’s hospital room she made me realize that life isn’t always what you think you signed up for but it’s never more than you can handle. It’s funny, but as I watched her drive away in her 1988 Pontiac Bonneville I didn’t notice gray hair, wrinkles or arm flags. I noticed an amazing woman who, to this day raises a disabled child, mows her lawn, cleans her house and goes to Mass often. I don’t see age; I see a wonderful lady who has rolled right along with the changes life has tossed in her lap. If my 90s can look that funny and spunky and wise; bring it on … I got a true glimpse of my gene pool and I was excited!
If I’m motivated to become a member of the Communion of #Saints, I have serious changing to do.Click To Tweet
I suppose the bottom line is this … if I am motivated to become a member of the Communion of Saints, I’ve got some serious changing to do! I’m going to spend some time thinking and praying about St. Mother Teresa’s suggestion that the one thing that needs to change most in this world to make it more peaceful and Christ-like is ME. Here’s my formula: eternal life requires change so I need to fuss less, pray more and roll with it! I’m looking forward to that last change, the one that changes my address from my house to his house!
A Seed To Plant: What changes are you struggling with right now? Take them to prayer and ask for the patience, wisdom and courage to face them and move through them gracefully.
Blessings on your day!
Copyright 2017 Sheri Wohlfert
