Blessed Change by Dr. Lynnette Simm
I heard it said that not all positive change feels positive in the beginning. That is where I find myself in my life now. Maybe you are in the same place too. In my life, jobs are changing, moving is inevitable, and a season in life is ending while another begins. But what if we could challenge ourselves to find the blessings in changes we may not have wanted?
My friend, Moina, and I have been going through some really tough changes in our lives. We both lost loved ones, both our husbands had major health issues, and both our children have grown from at-home to on their way to adulthood. These changes could have crushed our hope and our faith, but Moina and I didn’t want that to happen to us!
After crying to each other over all we have survived, we decided to make a pact. We promised to text each other daily with three things we are grateful for. We started with our husbands, family, health, homes, jobs—and slowly we have gotten to the point where we have to really ponder what we are truly grateful for.
Just today, I texted I am grateful we have choices. I am grateful that things never stay the same. I am grateful for books. I was talking with my husband about the up-and-coming move and the options we had and then went to enjoy a lovely book. She texted she was grateful for the Colorado skies, warm sun, and the beautiful mountains. I’m sure she was driving to work and was feeling blessed to live under the mountains that inspired the phrase “purple mountains majesty.”
Over the last month of texting back and forth, all our problems have disappeared…NOT! But, what has happened is a change in our hearts. While I can’t speak for Moina, I can say that my heart is open to change. My heart is loving the opportunity to tackle whatever comes with gratitude. Mostly, my heart is happy. My body is tired, but that’s another story.
Gratitude brings to light our blessings, big and small. Gratitude can help anyone see the positive in changes, even when changing doesn’t seem like a blessing, at first.
Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
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You are invited to join us for this month’s POP Chat on ZOOM, Wednesday September 30th at 6:30 p.m. Our guest speaker is KCBI (Dallas) Morning Show Host, Author, and Popular Speaker, Rebecca Carrell, who will be presenting the message, “You Become What You Behold.”
Our Worship Leader for this month’s event will be Author and Radio Host on the Fishbowl Radio Network, Donna Renay Patrick. Donna is on the Music Staff at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Denton, Texas.
To sign up, just click on the link! https://share.hsforms.com/15bHBupdrTBugXxD9Y8Q_MQ3jo4z