Seasons of Change

It’s October!  Today we begin the 10^th chapter of the Year 2021.  The weather is becoming cooler, and the leaves appear more colorful each day.  Even the sky is changing to its autumn aura.  Everything around us is in a season of change, including you and me. 

From the time we are conceived until we reach our eternal destination, we are constantly changing.  Some changes are within our control, and some are not.  Some changes are slow and subtle.  Sometimes things change in an instant!  Sometimes changes are imperceptible and some shout as loudly as the gold and crimson leaves in October! 

We can’t change:

1. Another person’s thoughts or behavior.
2. The past.
3. The world.
4. Our mortality.
5. The weather.
6. Change itself!

We can:

1. Change our actions and behaviors.
2. Look forward instead of backwards.
3. Be a positive example in our circle of influence.
4. Make the most of every single day we are on the earth and prepare our soul for eternity. 
5. Carry an umbrella or wear snow boots!
6. Choose to accept the fact that change is an inescapable fact of life.

 “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” are powerful words of wisdom and can be a source of inspiration as we live with the changing seasons of our lives.

Living a positive life in a changing world is not easy at times.  We go through many seasons and changes along our journey.  Some we can control and some we can’t.  There are seasons of great happiness and joy.  Times when things seem bright and hopeful.  Then there  there dark seasons of tragedy, sickness,  despair, and loss that have touched us all.  I believe we can face the changes we can’t control with an attitude of courage, hope and optimism.  Not a Pollyanna-ish, superficial happy face, or a shallow interpretation  of  “positive thinking”; but a deep and certain knowledge that life is a precious gift and to be thankful for what we were able to enjoy. During all the seasons and changes that come, we can be confident that Someone is there to help guide us through and “He has the whole world (and our lives) in His hands.”

Just as sure as Autumn comes after Summer, it is a certainty that change will  take place.  Some changes will be good, and some won’t.  It’s just the way things are.  However, we can take responsibility for our life and choose to live with optimism and joy, focusing on cultivating a positive attitude and making wise choices. It’s up to each of us, and I choose joy!