Change

Change... it’s never easy. Sometimes we look forward to change- we desire a change in our lives. Or we say “I wish that would change, or he or she would change. Do we desire change for ourselves? 

Other times change seems scary. Because change is the unknown. Change is new. Change is a shift in our routine, our expectations, perhaps our original hopes and dreams. We have to transform into something we never thought would come our way.

Maybe when life presents a big change to us - we morph into a little cocoon like a caterpillar- maybe there’s a period of time you just need to wrap yourself up in a safe comfy little hut until you’re ready to shed that home you built and rise into newness- like a butterfly. Where a whole new world awaits you- one where you can spread your wings and fly like you never could’ve dreamt of before- when you were a caterpillar crawling around on a leaf.

We all face change in our lives. In small and sometimes big ways. Some changes are exciting & beautiful like life’s milestones. Like turning 5! Getting your driver's license. Or graduating high school. Getting a college degree. Your first apartment. Getting married and starting a life with someone else beside yourself! Having your first child. Buying your first home. Or even experiencing the death of a loved one. Milestones are change. And they are beautiful - often something we expect (like a birthday) or work towards (like a job promotion) - bringing our hopes and dreams into fruition. 

Sometimes change comes at us. Life happens. It falls in your lap. This change can be the harder change. Like a diagnosis, a job loss, or simply being let down. And you are forced to step into change - suddenly or uncomfortably, maybe even reluctantly.

Sometimes change comes more gradual. In small waves. It flickers here and there- a little light that keeps lighting up. Sometimes you hear it or see it or feel it. In you, through others, or around you. Maybe you want to ignore it or just hold on a little longer. Maybe you try to fight it. Or fight through it- until you have nothing left to give. Then, you give in. To the unknown. You surrender. You don’t know what’s next. But you know you’ve arrived. To the moment- where you’re embracing CHANGE.

Sometimes change happens to us. Sometimes it happens in us. Sometimes it happens around us and morphs us. Or is it maybe always a combination? Of the universe at work. Can it be painful and beautiful at the same time? Can it be caused by both unnecessary trauma or factors out of our control AND by God using “all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28)? At the same time. What causes change? Who controls it? Is someone or something always to blame? Maybe not. Maybe we’re all interconnected beings and God’s energy flows through, in and around us all the time.

Maybe change- whether unexpected - welcomed or feared - is a part of the human experience of life. Life is precious. We only get one life to live. Imagine it without change. Without milestones. Without growth. Only stagnant. 

We need movement, flow and creativity. We need life, love and beauty. Especially joy. These arise through constant motion, give & receive and connection. Usually it’s the moment we stop the flow of communication, stop energy, stop sharing & connecting - that we lose what could’ve been the start or midst of something great. We need flow in our lives. Perhaps we need change. To step out of our comfort zone and try something new.

To do the hard thing. That’s been weighing on your heart. To step across that invisible line- you’ve been scared to cross. To follow what you know is deep down in your heart, even if it’s hard or uncomfortable. To do what you know to be true and right. To do what is YOU. To embrace the unique spark God put in you specifically- only you. To follow the calling God has placed in your heart- in your life- in your marriage- in your family. Or even in  your community. 

I wonder - can unwelcomed change be welcomed? 

Is it where God is calling you? They say the first step into newness is the hardest. What step do you need to take- today? In your life? What change awaits you? Perhaps it’s uncomfortable maybe even unbearable- AND perhaps it’s the best chapter you’ve yet to embark on. Perhaps it’s the change God needs you to embrace. You need you to embrace. Your family. Or even your community.

Change. It can be beautiful. It can be hard. I say it is the essence of life- the very growth and development and purpose and rich love we are here on earth for.

What change is God confronting you with today? In this moment right now? It may be small, it may be big. It may be unexpected, it may be long awaited.

Step into it. Because until you are fully stepping into your light and your calling and your best full, complete self - the world hasn’t fully SEEN you yet.

So I guess I’m here to say. And to challenge. Let’s embrace change. Not alone. Together.   

Love,

Leena