A dear friend, who admittedly, is of the older generation, often uses the above phrase: “That was then, this is now.”  Her mother NEVER wanted change and rebuked change if pushed on her. My friend promised she would never be like her mother in that respect. Oops…there are times lately, she sees herself, thinking or acting like her mother. Changes to clubs she is a part of, changes within the singing group she participates in, changes in church with surroundings and liturgy, changes, changes, changes. What she notices is there are things she feels like REFUSING to change…then a small voice reminds her, “that was then, this is now!” I’m so proud of her for realizing that change doesn’t necessarily have to be bad, but rather just “different.”

None of us lives the life that our Lord lived. In warm weather, we may be wearing sandals as He did, but we have the CHANGE of being able to ride comfortably to a destination.  We do not have to walk to our destination as our Lord did. What exactly is the same? WE ARE SINNERS.  WE ARE LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY BY JESUS.  Sometimes it is best to reminisce about the past but also find ways to be a part of any new changes. Jesus wanted His followers to hear His Word (a BIG change) and follow Him.  He wants the same for you.  Don’t allow yourself to get hung up on what once was, but rather what you can be a part of moving forward. Grow in Christ. A reminder from Isaiah 43:19, “Forget about what has happened before.  Don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present.  I am about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”

Smile and live in the now.

~ Jill