Change

In 1964, Bob Dylan struck a nerve with his song, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” There was upheaval and unrest in our nation. People were anxious and worried about the future. Many were concerned that the past, and the things they loved, were gone forever. Indeed, the times were a-changin’. 

In our home, we could have this song playing in every room. The times are changing in our family. As I write this, my daughter will sleep in her room one more night before going off to college. There is concern about the future, and there is sadness because we recognize that the old way of life has changed forever. 

Perhaps I’m a little different…no, I’m different. But while there is a tinge of sadness, excitement outweighs the feeling of loss. Her mother and I have been preparing her for this since the day our delivery doctor looked me in the eye and said, “You got your girl.” I think he muttered under his breath, “May God have mercy on your soul,” also. 

As parents, we must understand that our children aren’t really ours. God has entrusted them to us. They are gifts that we are to care for and nurture. 

Having said this, I don’t know many people who like change. I’m a routine person. I don’t like to have my routine altered, and when it happens, I tend to get a little grumpy. Shocking. 

But change can be good. To want my daughter to always live at home would not be fair to her. It would keep her from becoming all that God planned for her to be. 

During this season, I’ve been holding on to a promise that God made to Israel in Isaiah 43:19: 

“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?” 

Yes, Lord, I can’t help but see it. 

As one season comes to an end, another season begins. We struggle with new seasons because we can’t see what the future holds. It can be unsettling. We like to know what will happen…and when it will happen. We like to see the outcome from the beginning. 

But that’s not the way God operates. 

God tells us to trust Him with each step. He doesn’t give us a GPS readout of what the road looks like ahead and where each turn will take us. What is beautiful about this is that while we can’t see the road ahead of us, He can. He knows every danger and pitfall that lies ahead. He goes before us and walks with us. 

The danger isn’t in the road ahead. The danger is when we fail to walk with Him as we travel the road. 

Perhaps today, you are entering a new season. Today, you could write across the pages of your future the word change. 

Pray. Hold tight to the One who goes ahead of you, loves you, and wants what is best for you. Keep your heart open to what God is doing as your life changes. 

God is already in the season you are now entering. 

Until the next page… 

Scott Sullivan  

The Notebook