Change

I don't like change. Nope. Don't like it one bit at all. I am by nature a creature of habit. Once that habit is established for the most part, I don't want it to change. Now I know the New Year is all about change--new resolutions, new beginnings, blah, blah, blah. Frankly, it's never worked for me. I find it far too overrated. And yes you got that right. There are no new year's resolutions here for the "Prof" as Teri is fond of calling me.

So you can imagine how I must feel right now when I'm engulfed in change. First, as I've mentioned before I'm heading back to work on January 16th after having been "off" for a semester. Lots to do in preparation for that day, so I guess things are changing little by little as I work on class preparations at home. Although change is pretty standard every semester--new classes, new students, new schedule--this time is especially difficult because of my sabbatical. Oh my! I've seen another world of staying home and working in my PJ's and unfortunately I LIKE it a lot!!! (tee hee)

If all this were not enough I have also been hit with another major change. Our pastor announced in December that he was leaving for another pastoral appointment beginning January 1. Yikes!! I loved our Pastor. His departure is a huge loss for me. While we await the conference to appoint another pastor, I'm again in the situation of change. Can you begin to see a recurring pattern here?

Now while I don't like change, I do know that it's inevitable. Life isn't static. It's dynamic, on-going, and constantly in the process of moving forward. And I do know that change can be good and is often necessary for growth. Paul advises us in Romans 12: 1-2 not to conform to the world but to renew our minds. As I chew on that bit of scripture, I'm reminded that change is absolutely necessary to live the Christian life. We are, in essence, being transformed (changed) daily if we truly are dying to ourselves and letting the Holy Spirit grow (change) within us.

Then just where does that leave me on the subject of change? Well to be really candid, I still don't like it. Yet I'm choosing to approach it in a new way. As you know if you've been reading my blog God has been working overtime in my life "changing" me from the inside out--transforming me, so to speak. And while that hasn't been easy, no take that back, it's been downright difficult, it has been worthwhile.

On of my favorite new gospel songs is by Shekinah Glory Ministry's "Yes." It's an Indy label and unless you're a huge gospel fan, you've most likely missed it. It's kind of long so I'm including part 2 of a tube version below. This song speaks to my soul right now in such a raw and passionate way during this my season of change. Listen when you get a chance and you'll hear the cry of my own heart right now.

So, my dear Jesus do your work in me. Let me cooperate with the process and most of all let my answer to your call always be a resounding "Yes."