We should be getting good at change.  It seems there’s been a lot of change going around here in the last year.  Hold on, because we’re not done with changes yet.  Almost a year ago, Pastor Ed announced his retirement plans.  We waited for a few weeks for an interim pastor and then had to get used to more changes as we learned the way Pastor Roy did things.  Just when we were starting to get familiar with the new way things were being done, things are changing again.  We’ll go a few weeks with pulpit supply (thank you, Wayne, for filling in!) before Pastor Art comes and then there will be changes again.

If we’re honest, change often brings anxiety.  A friend of mine says, “I like change, but only when it’s my idea.”  I think many of us understand this.  Change leaves us with a sense of uncertainty and loss of control.  It takes us outside our comfort zones.  Even when we agree change is necessary or good, it can be difficult.  It also often accompanies loss.  A change in leadership means losing a leader.  In church, it can also mean losing the rhythm of worship we grew comfortable with under their leadership.  Yet change is inevitable, and here we go again.  So, what can you do to help the process?

• Accept that change will happen and that with change will come uncertainty.
• Give yourself permission to have feelings and recognize when you’re outside your comfort zone.  Feelings are natural and not good or bad.  How you respond to those feelings is what is either positive or negative.
• Breathe and relax.
• Hope for the best.
• Look for the positive.  Write down what you are grateful for.
• Trust God.  Remember God is with you.
• Pray.
• Choose how you respond.  You may not be able to control the circumstances, but you can always choose your response.

Opportunities for growth accompany change.  Okay, maybe you don’t feel like growing right now but, ready or not, here change comes.  I look forward to seeing what God is planning for JOY Lutheran Church.  I don’t know exactly what our future holds, but I do know that the plans God has for us are for our good; plans for a future with hope.  (Jeremiah 29:11). Let us trust in God’s promises.  Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie

Today’s reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1-15&version=NRSV