Maximizing CHANGE

Yesterday i was working in my back yard. I knew there was rain coming so i worked feverishly to get things done while i could. The good old Texas adage came powerfully into play, "if you dont like the weather in Texas, wait 5 minutes, it will CHANGE." Within the next four hours it rained 3 times, became sunny twice (i even put sun screen on) and in general the weather was awesome but just kept CHANGIng.

Life CHANGEs!

Im convinced that those who navigate CHANGE best are those who get the most out of life. My departed grandfather always wanted to return to Italy, the land his father immigrated from. Since he was scared to fly and didnt like boats he either needed to CHANGE his mind about travel or wait for a long time for a long bridge..... He never made it to Italy.

Since CHANGE is ubiquitous and inevitable here are some thoughts to help us navigate it to our advantage.

1. Embrace CHANGE

Its gonna happen. Dont fight it. Consider it a type of force that is easier to steer than start or stop.

2. Live in the moment.

This is not a statement of hedonism but one that speaks of maximization. This is something completely different than living for the moment. Be there, own it and make it count. 

3. Be open to others reacting to change. 

Maybe you have change figured out, maybe this one was easy for you, regardless, someone else may need help in making change positive. Help them, maybe you will need the extra assistance next time. 

4. Dont sweat the small CHANGEs. So you are on the bus and you have to change seats or learn how to work with a new driver, no sweat, you are still on the bus. On the bus doin well but bus changed or your seat assignment did

5. Bend dont break. 

The fact the change it self is constant but that doesnt mean that the changes it brings are permanent.  Things could CHANGE back. 

At the end of the day CHANGE will happen. You get to decide if it will be a positive experience or not. 

Often when CHANGE happens we have to learn who to trust.   

A man fell off a cliff, but managed to grab a tree limb on the way down. The following conversation ensued:

“Is anyone up there?”

“I am here. I am the Lord. Do you trust me?”

“Yes, Lord, I believe. I really trust, but I can’t hang on much longer.”

“That’s all right, if you really trust you have nothing to worry about. I will save you. Just let go of the branch.”

A moment of pause, then: “Is anyone else up there?”

Questions... 

1. Is change inherently good or bad?

2. For you, is change hard or easy?

3. What are some things in your life that are currently changing?

4. What are some things God needs to change  in your life?

5.  What kind of help do you need to help you navigate through change more successfully?