Do you ever wish that something would slow down or wish it would hurry up? Do you ever get tired of things always changing?
Seasons are an expected, ongoing change. We know when spring is near: flowers begin to bloom, allergies flare up, and the weather shifts from cooler to warmer. We prepare ourselves for these changes, knowing they’re coming. We tend our gardens, store away our winter wardrobes, and unpack our shorts and spring dresses. Not everyone enjoys spring—maybe some prefer winter—but they still make preparations, understanding that a season of change is inevitable.
But the changes we don’t anticipate can be more challenging. The unexpected can stir up fear, sadness, and even anger. These difficult changes often come with resistance, as we push back, trying to force things to stay the same. Personally, I know I’ve done this, and sometimes still do.
Over the years, I’ve realized that my resistance often comes from a fear of change. But I’ve also come to understand that when I allow the emotions to settle and look at the bigger picture, I can see the growth and benefits that change brings. I’m still scared, but I’m learning to replace that fear with faith. This doesn’t come easily; I’m a work in progress.
Some changes come suddenly, altering the course of our lives. For me, one of the most profound changes has been death. I’ve experienced the loss of friends and grandparents, but it wasn’t until I lost my father that I truly grasped what grief is and how it shapes us. For this kind of change, I am reminded every day to walk in faith, pray for guidance, and recognize that losing loved ones is part of life’s changing rhythm. This loss has made me more aware of the preciousness of time and the importance of living in every moment.
As Heraclitus wisely said, “The only constant in life is change.”
If change is the only constant, as it often feels, we can look for it, evaluate how it will affect us and our families, and seek support when we feel lost or overwhelmed. It’s okay to feel afraid, angry, sad, or even happy about change. I believe that acknowledging and feeling our emotions is the first step in understanding them, living with them, and even embracing them. You can do this, and you can embrace the change too, new seasons can be beautiful.