Change is inevitable. . .

This is an apt topic for me to blog about today because I am resisting a change that’s beyond my control.  Our minister has decided to leave our church at the end of the year.  That’s only six weeks from now!  I know that many of us are feeling the loss already.  He has brought us so far in four years and he is loved, not only because of his solid spiritual message, but because he is alive with enthusiasm.  The church has experienced many changes in the 22 years I have attended it but this one took me by surprise, total surprise.  Many friends, who also attend, feel blindsided too.

As I analyze why I feel so distressed it boils down to the fact that many changes have happened lately and absorbing one more isn’t what my heart wants to do.  The first major change was having my best friend move out of my neighborhood.  I had grown accustomed to our daily walks and frequent dinners as couples.  It’s not that we won’t continue to see one another, but living many miles apart now changes the spontaneity of our times together.  Walking three houses away for a meal or a walk or a needed hug is no longer possible.

And then the breakfasts following church with a special group of women no longer happens because a couple friends opted to go to another church even before this minister made his choice to leave.  Those Sunday morning gatherings had become a favored, weekly ritual.  I had begin to adjust to their scarcity but now have to adjust even more. Perhaps none of us will choose to remain at this church.  And that would be a deep loss in many ways.

I don’t like to see myself this resistant to change.  I have written about change in numerous books and frequently lecture in workshops that change never visits unless we are ready for it, but the way I am feeling today, I wonder if I really believe that?  I need an adjustment to my attitude I think.  The minister feels called to make a change.  That means, for the rest of us, that something better is on the horizon, doesn’t it?

The belief I cherish, even when feeling resistant, is that my Higher Power is readily available to walk me through any change that wears my name.  We will grow into the change.  We will grow as the result of the change.  And changes will never quit happening to us.  And for that we can thank our Higher Power.  It means our lives are still vibrant.  Our journey is still relevant.  Our input into the lives of others is still needed.  Nothing happens that hasn’t been divinely orchestrated.  All will be well.  All will be well.