Change… of all the challenges we have in our lives, the hardest and most unaccepted by most everyone is that of change.

No matter positive or negative, expected or unexpected, whenever change happens, at some point we are left with some level of uncertainty. We may even have regrets and long for things to return back to their previous state, or rue a decision we made and wish for a real life backspace button.

Several years ago I served as a Youth Minister at a church in North Carolina, which had been one of the most fulfilling chapters in my life. Prior to this I had been serving as the Director of Music Ministries for ten years prior, and knew that this would be a good way to continue giving back to the youth of the parish. After four years of working with the youth and leading them, and fourteen years as the music director, I was given the opportunity to go back to school. As you can imagine, I knew I would never have this opportunity again, so I made the very difficult decision to leave my position in order to continue my education.

In leaving this very fulfilling ministry to begin living the next chapters in my book of life, I questioned whether this was the right choice. I wondered if taking that plunge would leave our family in a financial situation. Would I be leaving any of the teens I had been ministering without the leadership needed? Would it make a difference in their lives? What if….?

Today when I look back at that moment, I do see very clearly that I was actually comfortable where I was. It was similar to how I felt many years prior, moving away from my parents’ home for the first time. I wondered “what would become of me”?

Another point in my life, I was faced with the aging and death of my parents. Watching them become more dependent, and in my Dad’s case become very sick and pass on suddenly. This type of situation is one that tends to leave us feeling angry and stressed, mainly because we have no control over it.

The funny thing about changes in our lives is that we have to:

• accept they are happening
• accept that there is a reason for it to happen
• accept the actual transition

Following the Christmas Season, some Christian faiths celebrate what was called The Epiphany, which is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi bringing gifts to the Christ Child.(Matthew 2:1–12). The actual term to have an “Epiphany” means to be awakened, or a realization of the truth. 

Sometimes that truth is what we want to hear, and other times not. Though depending on what our priorities are in life, what seems to be more important from day to day, determines how we accept or fight this news, as well as the changes or transition that goes along with it.

Life is so much bigger than we all realize. Bigger than any of us will ever even fathom. Each of us plays a very important role in this life. More importantly, we all need to realize and accept that each living thing that breathes, has a purpose. And in most situations, that purpose is usually not in our control.

Although I do sometimes struggle with certain changes in my life, as I mature I have learned to accept these changes more and more, and continue to keep looking at the blessings and positive things in my life.

I have learned over the years that if we dwell upon the should haves and could haves, or tarry over the negative things that happen, we will never be able to see the real life lessons being taught, preventing us from seeing any new blessings ahead. If we continue to have faith, we will continue to move ahead in peace.

With each change comes a new chapter that is written in our book of life. And in each chapter we write, we are strengthened in how we learn and how we are able to handle all that life throws at us.