Have you come to think of change as being a negative? I hope not.
Much about change can be rewarding and fulfilling.
My children have changed since I originally wrote the following essay four years ago, but the understanding applies even more today.
While driving through Yellowstone National Park with some of our children, I noticed a sign that read,
Change is the only Constant
“Change is the only constant.”
The words referred to the continual changes in nature, but the message also holds true to much of life.
The last time our family had driven through Yellowstone, we had strollers, diaper bags, and a handful of young, rambunctious children.
This time they had all grown to adult size, and only a few of them were with us.
The squabbling and vying for attention had given way to actual conversations!
There were still some disagreements and plenty of give and take, but more often than not, laughter.
As young adults the conversation at times sounded like juveniles, yet was managed with good humor.
“I don’t like everyone leaning on me because I can’t move. Can’t I lean on someone?”
“When you’re sitting up it’s uncomfortable.”
“That’s my water.”
“Will you just hand me a muffin?!”
The relationships among siblings, and between children and parents has evolved over the years and is still changing.
Undesirable or Positive?
Often times we think of change as undesirable, yet just as in nature, change leads to growth and expansion, if we allow it.
Growth may be painful, as symbolized by the Yellowstone fires in 1980 where acres of trees where destroyed.
But healthy, vibrant, beautiful growth followed, because of those very fires!
Growth isn’t always painful though. We see that idea in the natural resurgence of growth every Spring.
Relationships
So also our relationships may go through difficult and tumultuous periods.
Yet they can also give way to something beautiful and fulfilling when given love, time and patience.
Change will always be with us.
So rather than dreading change, why not embrace the opportunity for growth?
You can choose how to feel about the changes occurring right now in your life. You can choose to dread them or see the potential for growth.
Can you welcome the forward momentum that change brings?
Allow it to propel you forward into something more wonderful than where you’ve been.
Much love,
