Change

It seems that Fall has finally settled here in our little neck of the woods, although the transition from summer has been a choppy one. Temperatures were bouncing up and down like a fishing bobber on a windy day, fluctuating between early morning temps in the 50’s to near 90’s in the afternoons and then back down again in the evening. I think it’s finally made up its mind to stay on the cooler side, giving us clear, crisp mornings and windy afternoons; offering a good reason to grab our sweater and a hot cup of coffee when we head out the door.

Most of the trees are still green and full, determined to stay clothed in their summer best while others have embraced the season and begun changing into their fall foliage. Autumn flowers are showing off their vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows, but the summer annuals refuse to be bullied into giving up their pots and places in the yard just yet, continuing to push out their blooms and give us our money’s worth before the frost comes.

The squirrels know exactly what time it is and are busier than ever gathering and hiding nuts. Our back fence currently serves as a super-highway for a few neighborhood squirrels. Since we no longer have trees in our yard (thanks to the summer drought of ’98 and the ice storm of ‘07), I like the fact that we can still help the little guys out. They’ve even found a few hiding spots in our back yard and entertain us with their acrobatics as they jump from the neighbor’s tree to our fence and back again. Plus, they’re just plain cute as they pounce across the lawn with cheeks full of acorns and pecans searching for the perfect hiding spot.

It’s also a great time to catch a bald eagle sighting in the nearby refuge and see the wildlife venturing out from the shade of the trees into the open areas as they, too, enjoy a reprieve from the summer-like heat that refused to leave when it was time to go.

Farmers are busy harvesting their cotton. The lights of their combines can be seen out in the fields well after dark as they work to get it all in. The hawks are taking full advantage of the newly harvested fields to spy out some easy pickin’s for a tasty meal. A fact lost on my mother’s cat who is always meowing to be let out.

Lots of people are taking advantage of the cooling temps, stepping out to enjoy some outdoor recreation, going on a mini vacay, doing some sight-seeing, catching a football game, or splurging on a little fall shopping. Facebook is chocked full of pictures of friends enjoying the season. It seems that living is a little easier in the coolness of Fall - minus the allergies, of course.

I notice that people transition differently to the new season. The spring/summer folk, like me, aren’t ready for jackets, long sleeves, pants, or real shoes. We hang on to our flippies and capris, refusing to wear a jacket even if we are freezing. Then, there are the fall/winter people who are all too eager (if you ask me) to pull out their winter garb and can be seen wearing coats and boots and hats on sunny, 80-degree, summer-like days. I don’t get it.

I guess it’s life. We all transition differently to changes. Some we embrace, like welcoming the birth of our child or grandchild, graduating from college or celebrating a well-deserved retirement, and moving out of our parent’s house into our own place or finally building our dream home. Other transitions are difficult, like becoming the caregiver for a parent, learning how to live without a loved one who has passed away, getting older or watching others struggle with the effects of aging, or trying to figure out our course in life, whether we’re just getting started or living in the latter half.

Thankfully, we do have one thing in our life that can help us through all these changes. One thing we can depend on. One thing we can rest on. One thing, itself, that never changes. That one thing, of course, is God.

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Psalm 18:2 (KJV) The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

It’s hard to imagine something that never changes. I am always amazed by the ancient art and architecture in Rome and Italy; am thrilled by the fact that one can go to Jerusalem and visit some of the places that Jesus, himself, visited; and am in awe of the fossils unearthed and specimens discovered frozen in ice from hundreds or possibly thousands of years ago. It’s so cool to be able to see things that have been in existence for centuries. But even all these things are not as they were when they were new. Everything experiences wear and tear, erosion and decay, no matter how well they are preserved. But God is exactly the same today as he was on day one of creation. In fact, he’s the same as he was before creation. He’s the same as he has always been. He will never change his mind, never go back on a promise, never change the order in which He has set things, and never change the way He does things. Even though it’s hard to comprehend, it’s also comforting because we know we can trust Him and depend upon Him.

We’ve all probably heard the phrase, “The only thing that changes is change itself.” Change is part of life. It is inevitable. God has made it so.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

However, God also promises that he will see us through these changes. The problem is that sometimes we don’t FEEL like God is with us, that people are praying for us, that others have experienced what we are experiencing. We begin to doubt, and our nature is to look inward, closing ourselves off, and focusing on all the negative, feeling sorry for ourselves (I’m pointing at myself. I happen to throw a great Pity Party. FYI). Thank goodness God’s promises don’t depend upon our feelings. They are a fact.

God also guides us through life’s changes and transitions.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Psalm 32:8 (KJV) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

God tells us he is not only with us, but He goes in front of us to guide us through whatever changes lay ahead. He also keeps his eye on us. It makes me think of times when David and I would take our son, Colby, hiking in the nearby Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge when he was younger. The trails there are more like unpaved paths. It can be easy to get lost because they become over-grown with vegetation and often crisscross with animal and water trails. They may lead through briars and brush, over boulders and basins, and up the side of a mountain. There is plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for as well. David was always the leader of our little troupe, making sure we didn’t fall behind and warning us of low hanging branches, slippery or unstable rocks, and snakes or thorns (or poison ivy). David didn’t remove the low hanging branches or dry off the slippery rock or even kill the snake. But he helped us get through those tricky spots. God doesn’t remove the challenges we face in life, but He does help us get through them. As long as we follow him. If Colby and I ever veered off onto our own path, we left the safety of having a guide to let us know what might lay ahead of us and would very likely become lost (if you know me, you know I have no sense of direction whatsoever). As long as we followed David, we had a better chance of staying safe. If we veer away from following God and try our own way in life, we will not have the benefit of Him as our guide and will probably have much more difficulty maneuvering through whatever changes and challenges lay ahead of us.

In addition to guiding us through life’s changes, God wants us to leave the worrying to Him.

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

God does not wish for any of us to worry about things or be anxious. He wants us to experience peace of mind and heart. He is waiting to share that peace with us. And He DOES share that peace with us. But worrisome thoughts creep in like weeds in a garden and often take over before we even realize what’s happening. Praying (as in really having a heart-to-heart talk with God), reflecting on His Word, and reaching out to our Christian brothers and sisters for support in prayer and encouragement in fellowship, will help us to keep those worry weeds from taking over and crowding out the blooms of peace God has planted. And remember, we can be assured that God is in control, no matter what changes we are facing.

He knows his plan for you.

I know it sounds cliché, but God DOES love you and you DO have a purpose. You may or may not understand the changes or transitions you are facing, but God does. He has a plan for you, and He will see it through to the very end!

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

So, whatever changes or transitions you may be experiencing, turn to God‘s promises and rest assured that He will see you through them all.

*Happy Fall! God bless!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKiqYkyA3oY