When it comes to change...

​"For everything there is a season, and every purpose under heaven."
​~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Helen Keller wrote, "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

At the end of the year, it is easy to once again find yourself reflecting upon disappointments, or considered failures from the past twelve months. This is often what prompts New Year's resolutions. To try to change something, or make something new, because you feel that if you make this change, somehow, your life will change and things will become better.

Striking out, to try to make things better, or perhaps, to change a current trend in your life, is often difficult. Not just because it may be something completely foreign to you, but because the powers which bring about doubt or worry can be overwhelmingly strong. Often in these times the presence of God seems to be barely noticeable.

Like many people, I will often make resolutions that at the end of the next year are merely a memory.   Making the changes that we need in our life are not always easy.  One thing that I try to think about is how God will be present in that change.  That God will never lead me where I cannot find the means, the gifts, or be surrounded by people who are willing to share in the change so that when I do begin to fall away, or lose sight of who I am, or what God would require of me, only then can I truly move beyond.  As Gandhi would reflect, "Be the change that you wish to see."

If we are faithful to what God is calling us to do, a new hunger will make itself known. This new hunger is the first sign of God's presence. When we remain attentive to this divine presence, we will discover that all things are being made new, and that will make a difference.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2019