Do you embrace change or fight it? I always thought I loved change. I love the way night turns into day and day into night, how the tide goes in and goes out, and I welcome the change of seasons. When snow skiing I love to go from one side of the mountain to the other, trying never to repeat a run. But when change starts meaning risk, I find myself wanting to cling to the old.
It was time for my daughter to transition back home from a treatment center. In my mind, I knew this was a good thing. After all, she had progressed to a point where this was a viable possibility. I was elated and proud but scared of the unknown. I began to doubt myself, “How could I keep her safe?” “How could I care for her?” “Would I fail her?” “Was I equipped?”
A part of me wanted to cling to the old ways, yet I wanted what could be.
The last few years had been difficult. They revolved around booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. We were also attending grueling IEP’s, and therapy sessions. I had spent lots of time traveling to see her, and now that part of my life would be over. This change was a good thing, right? No more needing to schedule visits or phone calls.
Then why was I finding change hard, when I knew it was good?
One would think I would have no problem moving forward and that I would embrace it. After all, this is what we had been working towards.
It made no sense that even the smallest part of me would want to cling to the old life.
The change before us signified progress. It was what we had prayed for and what we had all worked hard to achieve.
I genuinely was excited about the change, but I carried on this inside struggle of resistance. I began to question what was wrong with me. “Why on earth would I want to cling to the old?” The new had so much to offer for all of us, and a change was inevitable. Clinging to the old was not even a possibility. So why was I wasting time-fighting it internally and what was the real issue? I needed to uncover my true struggle. Aha….
The fear of the unexpected was what was welling up inside of me.
The old ways were difficult and did not make sense anymore. I got that. But those roads had become “MY NEW NORMAL,” and I found myself in an internal battle to accept the change that was coming. I knew I would need to develop a “NEW NORMAL” once again, but the old was familiar.
To move forward and be successful I would need to embrace this new chapter in my life.
So I decided to trust in God and let go. Trust him completely with his plan, not sort of but entirely. I clung to this verse –
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
So on that day, I elected to embrace the change with an attitude of confidence and excitement. I would expect the unexpected, in both good and not so good. Each day I would live only one moment at a time. I would not allow myself to ponder the past or worry about the future but stay in the present. There was no need to suffer over what might happen or what had already happened. I would remember that God is good and all that he had done before.
Trust in GOD
Embrace the Changes
Expect the Unexpected
Live Only One Moment at a Time
Remember that GOD is GOOD
One might think we would only have to do this once but in reality, it is something we must do over and over again.
I would love to hear from you and find out if you find change hard even when you know that the change is right?
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The unknown is what gets to me. I always say I can deal with anything if I know about it. Life doesn’t always give me a heads up, and that is why I need to trust God!
Sarah,
I know exactly what you mean, the unknown is so difficult. I have had to learn to find peace in the unknown, but sometimes it gets to me, and usually, it is when I have not put my trust in God. I despise being lied to. I always say, “just tell me the truth I can deal with it.” Hope you have a great weekend. Maree
Maree, Thank you so much for sharing so transparently your journey with your daughter and now a new chapter in this journey. Rejoicing with you in this turning point.
I agree that any change that could represent risk is hard to accept. I never thought of it in those terms but you hit the nail on the head and are absolutely right.
May the Lord bless this new beginning for you and your daughter. 🙂
Karen,
Thank you! Yes, a risk is hard, but without it, we will remain right where we are. Thank you for stopping by and your kind words. Hope you have a spectacular week. Maree
Thank you for sharing your heart, Maree! Change can be so hard, because of the unknown and unexpected. It makes me think of the Israelites and how they almost preferred being slaves in Egypt instead of facing what was unknown in the desert. One thing that gives me comfort in the midst of change is that GOD IS WITH US, and will guide us one day at a time. Your post has been an encouragement to me today! Blessings to you and your family!
Christin,
Thank you for reminding us about the Israelites. So many times I see myself in them. I am right there with you knowing that “GOD IS WITH US,” bring me comfort too. I am so glad the post gave you some encouragement today. Your reply did the same for me. I am getting ready for a big change in my life, one that will require pushing fear aside and trusting in God completely. I needed your words today. Thank you. Maree
Love this quote you highlighted: “Trust in GOD, Embrace the Changes, Expect the Unexpected, Live Only One Moment at a Time, Remember that GOD is GOOD”
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that God is always good, but when we embrace the changes it will help us to see things from God’s perspective instead of our own. Stopping by from Salt and Light Link Up
Yes, I agree sometimes it is hard to remember God is always good. I know many times I first stomp my foot and then say, “Okay God whatever it takes. I trust you.” Thank you for stopping by. Maree
I’d like to think that I heartily embrace change, being a creative, but it depends on what it is. Taking it one moment at at time sounds like a good plan, Maree!
Kelly,
Honestly, change is confusing as to whether we like it or not. I guess it depends on what it is. Glad you stopped by today. Maree
We’ve had so much change recently. Even when my logical self looks at it all with gratitude and joy, my emotional self really fights against it. Change is hard! Detours are often unexpected and take us away from the paths we’ve chosen for ourselves. So grateful God never changes!
Sarah,
Yes, change is hard. I love what you reminded us all, “God never changes!” Oh, how we need to hang on to that thought. Thank you for stopping by. Maree
Amen sista. Trust in God and face the new normal. The only constant is change. Wish we could have met in Park City! Blessings!
That is so true the only constant is change. I wish we could have met too. Hopefully one day we will meet.
It just depends! If I’m unsure of how the change will affect me, or it hits me by surprise, then I tend to fight it since I’m unsure about it and it’s an unknown. However, if it’s something I’ve been wanting, hoping for and praying for as well, then I definitely tend to embrace it and become excited about the outcome! I must constantly remind myself that God is in control, yet He expects me to be a capable and willing “passenger,” doing my best to gracefully handle whatever I face along the way while I’m on this bumpy road called “life.”
I love your reply. I think I agree I like change when it is predictable. I do find though that unexpected changes can be pretty spectacular if I lean into God and remember he is in control.