Sudden change is something that I don't deal well with. I like having complete control over my life and what happens in it. It's to the point where I go home, and I easily get frustrated because I don't have complete control of my time anymore. That part of my personality made the decision of where to go to college a couple years ago a really difficult process. I knew what I wanted to do, but there was so much to consider when picking a school. I wasn't the only one who was affected by the decision either, so I wasn't the only person who had a say in the choice. My mom, in particular, likes to look at all the little details and often tries to shed light on the worst case scenario. I, on the other extreme, just wanted to make a choice after considering the options and be done with it so I could move on with my life. This just added to the stress of the decision.
Since then, I've learned a lot about myself. I've made life-long friends at Madonna and had experiences that couldn't be replaced. I would never change my decision to come to Madonna across the country from my Mom, Dad, and sister. That change was a positive thing for me, and change is a normal part of life. I've learned that it's OK to change and that even changes that lead to bumps in the road can be positive experiences. I still don't do well with things that are out of my control, but I can look at experiences, especially the bad ones, and see why God led me through the experience. I have determined that there are a few things that, in my opinion, can help everyone cope with change:
1. Remember that change is always either a good thing or will lead to good things.
The Bible says a lot about being strong in the face of adversity and change, but my favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It's a good reminder that wherever life takes you, God knows where you're going and that you're exactly where you're meant to be. Life won't always be good, but things usually work out for the better.
2. People who are meant to stay in your life will stay in your life.
This one was particularly hard for me. I had grown up and lived in the same small town my whole life. It wasn't easy to uproot myself and go to school in another state. I learned that sometimes you aren't as close with people as you think. I also learned that it's great to meet new people and make new friends. I don't regret leaving some people behind permanently or temporarily and making the friends I've made at Madonna. Sometimes I question my choice in friends, but that's beside the point. (Love you all! You know exactly who you are!) Making new friends doesn't mean that you can't still be friends with your old friends, either.
3. It doesn't help to live in the past.
There are lots of things that are hard to move on from: crushes, toxic friends and situations, etc. but it only hinders your future to hang on to things. If you know in your heart that it's time to move on from something, do what you can to move on. Trust that better things are coming.
The bottom line is that change is almost always a blessing, even if it's in disguise. You have to trust that where you are is exactly where you're meant to be and that a change will bring about good things.
