The Miracles within CHANGE

Yesterday, with great reluctance, I dismantled the Christmas tree and packed away all the decorations.  Traditions are a huge part of the SJ’s world and Christmas has always been very special in my life, such a miracle is this season. 

As a kid, Mom recognized it’s importance to me.  She always had me assist with the decorations and when I was big enough to handle the task on my own, she turned it over to me.  

When we moved into our first BIG house, I added a second Christmas tree and began a tradition of having a crowd of friends over for a Christmas Tea (English “high tea” style) on a Sunday in December.  The traditions grew with each passing year until our move to New Zealand in 2005.  Traditions had to change then, of necessity.  Change and tradition seem to oppose each other, and that's exactly what happened then.

There must also be a moving beyond traditions like Christmas (although all the beauty, warmth, memories, and magic of sharing with family and friends during the holiday creates my reluctance). So, I have moved into the new year with the hope and anticipation of what this year will bring.   

Changes are taking place in our lives, as I am sure they are in yours as well.  That’s inevitable as long as we are alive.  Change happens constantly.  SJs dislike - or are very cautions about - change. Admittedly, it has been a challenge for me to adjust at times.  But change we must, and the best idea is to accept the changes and make sure they are changes for the better, aided by positive attitudes, growth to accommodate the changes, and an eagerness to see the miracles that the changes bring.

Yes!  I did say “miracles.”  Miracles are only recognized in hindsight, you know.  Therefore, with each change, and even in the apparent “calamities” you face this year, watch for the miracles that you’ll see when you look back on the experience.  When you anticipate the miracles, it’s much easier to adjust to the changes and struggles.  Let’s make it a “tradition” to welcome change and watch for the miracles they bring.

At the Beginning and at the End of Each Day

Hanging on the wall in my husband's office is this small tile:

[In case it is difficult for your to read, it says:

Good Morning!

This is God. I will be handling all your problems today.  I will not need your help.  So, relax and have a good day.  - San Xavier - Tucson, Arizona]

It's a good reminder, particularly for those of us who are of the SJ temperament. We tend to worry — a lot.  It's good to have a reminder like this around — for ME!  I must remind myself often not to worry.

Jesus taught:
"... do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

And how much pleasure in life do we lose when we are worrying about things that never happen or things we cannot control?

If I work like it all depends on me and trust as though it all depends on God, everything turns out well.  It's true!  It's the trusting part that is the clincher, so listen up.

Here's Ray's followup to the inscription on that tile:

"Good Evening!
This is God.  Many of your problems did not turn out the way you wanted them to.  Search for the meaning and purpose in the way they did turn out.  
Good Night."
- Ray Lincoln -
Littleton, Colorado


So here's the trusting part.  When things don't work out as "I" had planned, I try to remember to look for the miracle.  Miracles are only identified in hindsight.  So if I am trusting the One to cares the most for my welfare, there WILL be a better outcome than the one I had in mind.  The outcome may even be miraculous!