Embracing Change

This week the Wallace clan, Denise and myself are engaged in Payton and Alexia’s Speech and Debate competitions. This is my 3rd year to serve as a judge and I love it. I’ve not only watched the growth, physically, in Payton and Alexia (the photos tell the tale), but their growth in their confidence, articulation and knowledge since their start of this season of their lives. I’m embracing the changes that have made them so much better.

My post today is about welcoming change. I’m saying that because what we don’t welcome, we tend to unwelcome, or resist! I’ve come to realize that change can be a beautiful thing. Why is it that some embrace change while others do everything in their power to prevent it? It boils down to perspective.

I've developed a way of positively viewing change in my life. Watching the love of my life pass away was one of the most life-changing times of my life. When he took his last breath, of course I had mixed feelings. I had joy that his suffering was over, but painfully aware that he was no longer here with me. Talk about change. That morning I was married, and that night I was a widow.
I think I've mastered the art of "change", so much so that I can share some of the "change" lessons I've learned to help others with change:

1. Life is About the Cycle of Life -- When we realize the cycle of life is part of our journey of life, we'll embrace every moment we have with each other. Enjoy the good times, and realize the not so good times are just temporary.

2. Wisdom is Earned -- There is no amount of money in the world that would convince me to go back in time. I am so happy to be where I am, and to have the knowledge that I have. I EARNED where I am, and the wisdom I've achieved was through change and experience. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

3. Learn To Let Go -- Some might say, "That's easy for you to say. I don't think I can handle it!" And my response, "Oh, yes you can. God's grace will be with you and you will make the necessary changes. God gave your children, your friends and loved ones to you for a season. Now free them to live in their season. Accept it, and move forward. When a loved one goes HOME, their assignment on earth ends. Their race ended. Our assignment continues. This is OUR race -- we MUST keep running to our finish line.

4. Change Always Leads to Good -- The reality about change is we just may not like it, but, inevitably it leads to something good. I look back at my life and I see a common trend. When something “bad” happened, it always resulted, eventually, in taking us to a better place. The tough times didn't last for us, but we became tough people....and THAT HAS lasted. Today, I'm ONE TOUGH COOKIE!

I promise you.....the ability to go from resisting change to embracing change can happen, but we must let go and surrender “our ways and our plans” to “God’s ways and God’s plans”. Jeremiah 29:11 clearly gives us God’s way “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What an amazing trade off...to be in His ways. That gives me every reason in the world to say God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Secret to Marriage Success

Day 21 in this Month of Love -- Secret to Marriage Success
Last week I attended the funeral of a dear man who lived a full and blessed life.  Just two months ago, he and his wife celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Now, that's what I call "stick-to-it-tivness" and "only till death did they part".

What makes for a marriage that stands the test of time -- through thick and thin, ups and downs, highs and lows, tough times and sweet times, smooth and rocky roads?  I'd say listening to those whose marriages have lasted through it all is the first place to go for advice.

A good friend of mine was meeting with some of his clients.  He asked them "What is the secret to your 68 years of marriage?"   The wife went to her refrigerator, removed this handwritten note from its magnet and gave it to my friend to read.  This is what it said:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people that I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can – and the wisdom to know it’s me."

Such wisdom, that if used in marriages and other relationships -- the years, the love, the respect, the joys and the blessings would last a lifetime.

Perhaps this little note could be the wisdom we need to create longevity for the relationships in our lives.  I'm praying "Change ME, Lord!"  How about you?