There was a children’s band ensemble in the produce department at Giant today. No joke. I was there to pick up the usual things…apples, mushrooms, green peppers and squash when I suddenly realized that I was having a hard time hearing the Disney podcast I was listening to on my iPod. I looked up and there they were. Kind of an odd sight to say the least. There they were sandwiched between the bananas and the floral counter. Hmm. There’s a reason for the band…and the small children’s choir that was also there. It’s the grand re-opening of “my Giant”. Hmm. They’ve re-painted the walls, shuffled all the food around, and cleaned things up. It looks nice but to tell you the truth, it’s a tad frustrating. I am a creature of habit. I readily admit that. The peanut butter and jelly at “my Giant” is no longer where it has been for years. For some reason, the head honchos at Giant have deemed that the PB and J should now reside near the seafood section. I don’t normally think of peanut butter and salmon as being related, but I’m sure a study of shopping behavior was done and this was the place that was selected for the jelly to live. Hmm. The whiner in me wants to ask “why?”. Why change something that I’m comfortable with? Did they have a group of shoppers complaining about the placement of the peanut butter? Did someone feel that shopping would be easier if sandwich staples were closer to the lobster tank? But then the rational part of me knows I’ll get used to it….that I’m only whining because it’s not the way it’s always been.
But I was reminded this week of a reoccurring theme in life…change. Why is it that some changes in life can bring an exhilarating feeling and some can create a lump in your throat at just the thought? For instance, I love fall. What a great season! The sweaters in my closet are calling to me…it’s coooooler….come wear meeee… Fall is so much fun! Other changes are not as much fun. Health issues creep up, families move, children grow up…the changes are endless. What do you do when faced with a change you’re not enjoying? What should you do when the lump in your throat is causing tears to come to your eyes? We have to, in those moments and all moments really, come to Jesus. We have to come, lay it all on the line with Him, and leave it there. I know what you’re thinking…it’s easier said than done, right? I know. I understand. But it’s all that we, as Jesus’ children really can do with the changes that we are experiencing. We could carry the heartache around until we end up frustrated beyond measure. Until the weight of our burdens becomes crippling. Or…we can come to Him…to our Father…and let it out. Let it go. Sit at His feet, tell Him your feelings, and then get up and walk with Him through the change.
Some changes in life are easier than others. Take the PB and J for instance. Over the next few months, I’ll get used to finding the Smucker’s at the back left corner of the store. No big deal. Other changes take a little getting used to. But with Him…all things are possible…all things. Even seasons of change. Who knows what He’ll do in us and through us because of the change? The possibilities are endless…
“The spacious, free life is from God, it’s also protected and safe. God-strengthened, we’re delivered from evil- when we run to him, he saves us.” Psalm 37: 39-40 The Message
No comments:
Post a Comment