Change.
It’s something we deal with that can cause so much stress or be the greatest thing ever. Some change can be good, such as graduating college and getting out of those classes you dread. Other change is bad, such as leaving behind all of your friends. This is something I have learned in my life, and it’s really weird how much change can shape us into different people.
For those who have been around the block, you know how change works. It can take away something so precious from you, such as a family member or a community you loved. It can turn a good day into something terrible. For others, it’s something that is seen as fun.
There are new adventures around the corner, and it could not come sooner. It can bring so much joy into life, such as getting engaged or having a child. It can turn friendship into something more. It can allow new people to come into your life and create a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
During these past few weeks, I have realized how much change will be happening during the next year of my life. Some friends are going on internships while others are graduating and finding themselves in the dreaded real world. I’ll be student teaching in the spring and preparing for my own entry into post-college life.
I’ll be moving into a new apartment with different friends, and I will no longer have one of my favorite jobs as an RA.
One of the things I’ve realized, though, is that even though our circumstances change every day, there is one constant in all of life. From the nastiness of the past to the beautiful future that brings joy, I realize one person will always be along the journey: Jesus. He says it very clearly in the Bible:
“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
God tells us no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, He is with us. We could be receiving the best news of our lives or mourning the loss of someone close, but regardless of what happens, He is with us in that moment.
God tells us that wherever we are in life and whatever changes are thrown our way, He is there, walking each step with us.
God doesn’t promise that the changes in our life will be easy. He doesn’t promise that it will be possible to move through the stages of our lives without some grief. What he does promise, however, is that when we make those steps in our lives, He will be there, holding the door open for us and walking in right past us. We don’t have to fear the unknown or what changes the future will bring us because God will be with us each step of the way.
Knowing this, I can look at the changes of next year and not worry. I can be thankful for them and excited for the next chapter of my life because I know our Savior will be there. He will be standing right next to me, guiding me through every moment of my life. That is the beauty of change.
