Do you welcome change or run from it? There’s always a choice to make. We can see change as something entering our lives to take away all we’ve worked for or we can have the perspective that God is up to something great! After all, take a caterpillar who seems very peaceful crawling about the ground eating leaves, enjoying that slow life on the ground. He has no idea what freedom and aerial beauty awaits him if he just flows with the process, or progress, of change.
No one of us is exempt from seasons of change in life. Change is a necessary part of living. It represents growth. My husband, Gregory, says “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” I couldn’t agree more. In fact, look at the diagram to the left demonstrating the process of change. Think about it. Anything new in our lives has us go through these stages. The thought of what could be is the pre-contemplation stage. Then, as we more fully consider and reason toward the new thing, we enter the contemplation, or the ‘what if’ stage. From there, we make a decision and prepare ourselves to act on what we’ve decided. Action is the result that ushers us into the new place we have been destined to enjoy. After that, there is only one other thing to do…maintain.
What position are you in? Maybe you wonder each week what it would be like to act in a sitcom as you watch your favorite actress on your favorite tv show. Perhaps you met someone who produces music and as you’re reminded of how much you enjoyed singing as a young child, you contemplate getting in the studio. Or you move into taking advantage of that relationship by preparing your talent to be laid on the trak. You might even be walking that road of pre-contemplation through contemplation and preparation and are ready to take action as you read this! Wherever you are on the continuum, these items indicate your inevitable growth. In order for our dreams to come true, we have to be processed by change. We become people of greater character as we are shaped by God’s tools of construction – rejection, abandonment, lack, offense, etc. – things that make us consider doubting our calling, destiny and purpose as we feel like we’re grabbing at straws.
There is something great ahead when you put feet to your faith planning, preparing and taking action toward what you believe God has for you! Then don’t forget the last step before going through the whole process again…be a good steward to maintain what you’re blessed with! We’re excited for you and look forward to all of the great reports to come!
Beautiful Insight…
Metamorphosis – Caterpillar into a Butterfly
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Faith and Deeds - “14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” ~ James 2:14-17
“If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare and service I will wait, till my change and release shall come.” ~ Job 14:14