Hidden Blessings

I’m writing from a different location this week - far away from home. In a home I would class as ideal - in a lovely quiet, leafy neighbourhood, right on the water in a home office watching the swans swim in formation in the lake adjacent to my window. Today’s entry is a few days late because it was my birthday this week, so I took some time out. I must admit, I'm sitting here wondering how life would look if I embraced a move in location, across the pond - as they say. The thought is tempting but you’ll be glad to know I’m not entertaining this right now!

Change is good. They say that a change is as good as a rest. Cliches but correct. But us change always good? Let's explore this.

Last week I wrote about being positive, keeping the vibes up. I mentioned something in my post last week about change coming in different forms. Sometimes change is planned, other times it is not. Sometimes we pray and wish for change in our lives - but we’re simply not ready to receive. We pray out of frustration and boredom when we’re fed up with where we are in life. A friend of mine posted a message on Instagram about some major change that had recently occured in her life, landing her in a totally different space & altogether on a different path. I totally admire her for it - she probably won't see this but what she’s done is inspiring. It has inspired me to see beyond the ordinary and embrace changes - in whatever format. 

Let’s talk about planned change. This is comfortable - somewhat easy to manage. We all want comfort, we want to stay in our comfort zones - so we plan our changes. We apply for new jobs, we move house/town/city, we change vehicles, embrace a new life partner (and their families! Keep it real!!). All these changes, we’ve managed to figure out and make the transition with little or no major mental/emotional disturbance. But life isn't all that straightforward - in never is. However, we don't mind this change - it's enough for us.

What happens when we lose our jobs, we move away from home by force, our car breaks down or gets written off, our relationships break down? This change really isn't comfortable. It disturbs our peace and the lack of clarity and direction leaves us spinning and spiralling into a downtrodden mental state. We try to make sense of our current circumstances and pull sense out of nonsense. What if we changed how we looked at our state? Has it ever occured to you that this may have been the change you asked for? Shrouded in the guise of your brokenness. Yes this is an abstract concept, but until you’ve experienced what I’m speaking about - it is hard to appreciate in it's fullness. 

That job loss? It could be an opportunity for you to start a brand new business or a new job role that will give you the work-life balance you craved. The move from home? Who said you wouldn't meet lifelong friends? The written off car? A chance to buy that family car you always dreamed of and needed. The broken relationship. Who said it was the best you could get? I bet you could do so much better than that - you know that deep down too.

The biggest blessing in all of this change, is that we NEVER lose. Romans 8:28 says that “...We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” That is plain. All things, not just the change we plan, all things. Every little or big mishap has a purpose. Why? Because God works all things out for our good - everything will work together, in perfect synergy. We are called according to his purpose, I am called according to His purpose - YOU ARE CALLED.

Don’t forget to see this promise in your comfortable and uncomfortable circumstances. It rings true in both. You prayed for change, choose to see the blessings behind the burdens. God has great plans for your life. Don’t give up, don’t let go - keep going.

Here are a few other promises you can count on;

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.'”

&

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

If you fancy a little music, here’s a song I recommend you listen to…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf8EqNFU4EQ