On Second Thought

I like change. You can ask my husband for proof if you don't believe me. He watches me try on several outfits on Sunday mornings before deciding what I want to wear for church. I move cabinet contents around in the kitchen when I think they should be stored in a different location (my family hates that--and I have to admit--it is hard to find things for awhile until we're used to the new place). I change the furniture around in the family room periodically for a different look. I can't decide what to make for supper, and sometimes must shift gears from one main entree to another because I don't have the ingredients on hand that are needed.

Change involves choice. I make choices every day: wavy hair or straight, coffee or tea, bath or shower, exercise or nap, call or write, read or watch tv, knit or crochet, and more. I prefer to think of the prerogative of change as making the best choice for the time, being flexible, and not getting into a rut. It seems to me that there may be a better way to do something or at least a different way and I want to explore the choices I have.

Change can be positive and healthy, keeping a person moving forward, growing. If you never change your exercise regimen, for example, your body will adjust to the level that you are exerting yourself, and you won't see any physical changes from your exertions. Or worse, you may lose interest in exercise because it becomes boring and monotonous.

Change should be avoided if it's done only for the sake of change. There should be discernment even when deciding what to wear or whether it's time for a different hairstyle. I have to think about the consequences of change. If I drink coffee instead of tea will the caffeine be too much at that time of day? Can I afford a haircut this week? Do I have time to talk on the phone? If I don't exercise, will I regret it? Do I need a nap more than a workout today? These and many more questions are posed as I consider what to do.

Humans are creatures of habit so change doesn't always come easily to us. That may be good. Habits are formed so that we don't have to ask ourselves the same questions over and over; we know we're going to get up, shower, dress, brush our teeth, eat breakfast, etc without having to consider our options every step of the way. But sometimes habits need to be broken. Or a routine needs to be adjusted to accommodate another person or activity. Those are changes, too. I have to be willing to make a change so I can be flexible enough to live with others and serve others.

I also change as knowledge and experience shows me that what I believe about something isn't how it really is. I hope that I am open-minded enough to learn, and with learning, to change how I see myself and others in relation to God and His creation and the working out of His will. Because I am a new creation, I will change as I grow in my faith. My mind will be renewed to know God's desires for me. Experience is an impetus of change, bringing forth maturity that changes a person's perspective.

I am changing as God changes me. I pray that most of the changes in me are for the better.
The promise I have from God's word is that He will never change. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.