change
The distant view of the western horizon is obscured by the steady downpour of rain on this warming spring day. Remnants of wind torn siding ripped from the eaves of the farmhouse lay in collected piles awaiting repair and restoration where usable. This season has been inundated with teases of summer, haunts of winter and remnants of floods. One consistency that we are learning to count on is change! Change from welcomed and expected climes to those wished behind us and back again has become the cycle consistently expressed. Deep within the brain of those of us who have been called upon to host the ever depleting levels of dopamine that has been labeled as Parkinson’s disease, a phenomenon similar to the current weather pattern has emerged. It too is called change. That change may occur rapidly and with unexpected consequences or it may emerge slowly in medically predictable fashions. In either instance, it embraces what has become familiar; sometimes friendly, sometimes a foe, but always change. Although friendship with an apparent foe seems an unlikely occurrence, friendship has become a reasonably logical step along the pathway to a place of peace. The friendship is not with the consequences of change per se, but rather with the very fact that change is an inevitable part of the process of life. Thankfulness for another step along the pathway to the “peace” that goes beyond routine understanding leads one to the gate of gratitude that when entered renders a whole new vista.
Unwanted, unplanned, and unwelcomed sleep disturbance has come to visit recently. Its arrival has been coincidental (as opposed to attributed to) with some odd changes in the weather. It has not been uncommon for a mid-summer’s dream weather to be overtaken by a winter’s freeze snap or for a bright sunny day to be whisked away by the cold and foreboding occupation of drizzling rain. March wind has insisted it not be forgotten and has bullied its way onto the landscape, stirring up pollen like sprinkled salt on an open wound. Whether weather or change in the clock, or some other contributor to altered sleep patterns, we hold steadfast to gratitude for another day of possibilities. Change is in the air and on the calendar and thankfulness is the plate upon which it is being served. This unwilling host to Parkinson’s finds that a generous serving of gratitude for what remains and what is to be gained provides satiation for this hungry soul. Fields of gratitude provide for the greater harvest! A different seed gives a change in harvest.
She sprang from the door to pounce on the frozen white covering of the back yard. What had yesterday been a powdery white snow had become overnight a sheet of ice, resistant to the paws of a playful Golden Retriever. Soon she got her grip to frolic over the frigid ground cover that would lead her to her desired spot in the yard. Silence reigned in these early hours of the frozen morn uninviting even to the crows usually foraging for sustenance. Adaptation to change has been necessary for survival. When physiological change takes place one adapts to that change. Whether a positive or negative adaptation is engaged is ultimately the decision of the one challenged. Seldom does anger, frustration, resistance, or withdrawal lead to a healthy adaptation. Each may have its motivating genesis, but seldom will either lead to an outcome of a thriving nature. Gratitude for the opportunity to engage actions that will build adaptive strength and vigor leads to greater understanding of what those adaptive strengths are. Acceptance that change has occurred bridled with thankfulness for options that embrace new ways of adjusting to that change lay the foundation upon which a thriving life may be upheld.
Wind whips quickly from the northwest bringing with it bone chilling change from cold to colder. The full leafed pecan tree standing stately in the sun lit terrain suddenly gives up its leaves to the blowing flow and then stands barren and exposed. Summer is far behind us now and soon autumn will give way to a full fledged winter. Change is omnipresent and at times such as these makes itself known to a greater degree than others. Experience tells us that these days too will give way to others and the rebirth of springtime will emerge with welcomed chirps and warmer winds. Change is an intimate part of life. Some see it as an enemy where others see it as a friend. Peace comes in its embrace within the arms of gratitude for within that embrace awaits the richness of the Creator. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
A thick fog renders the view of the rising sun as an opaque orb in the distance. Another change in the weather is forecast to bring much cooler temperatures over the next few days. The glistening grass and the dew dripping vines bearing the fruit of the garden give evidence of nature’s progression soaking in its provision. The season has been a rich one filled with varieties of plants and animals in varying degrees of plenty. The harvest is almost over and creatures all around are preparing for the onslaught of winter. Black walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are being offered up by their respective bearers. Soon the trees so well adorned with the brilliance of the Artist’s pallet will stand bare to witness the cascade of falling snow. Change is inevitable and its evidence is omnipresent. Change is best embraced with the arms of gratitude for change is the evidence of life itself.
Just three miles away the rumbling and boom of fireworks from the local city display sent animals scurrying to their respective safe places. The campfire in the back yard was a delightful accompaniment to the majestic wedding gazebo as a backdrop. A reprieve from the oppressive heat was delivered as fresh cool air from the north invaded the outdoor space. Even the pond this morning was giving off fog in the cooler morning air. Fireworks, campfire, and cool mornings have not been the norm, yet each is welcomed as a joyful addition to the fun of summer. Memories are being created for the granddaughter who revels in the joy of every event. Some folks flinch at the thought of change, but change is a natural progression of life. One may either adjust to it or be overtaken by it. Some try desperately to resist it and in the process become themselves as irritable as a stone in one’s shoe. I seek more and more the understanding needed to not only embrace change but to adapt to it as my travel companion on this life journey. Gratitude is the vehicle that accommodates the new and different!
A change in weather is predicted over the next few days with highs near seventy rather than the ninety degree temperatures we have been experiencing. This will be a welcomed change. Not all change is greeted with such enthusiasm. A dear friend recently left for an eternity in the arms of God. A loved cousin is battling multiples of ailments now as she patiently endures the caretaking at the local medical center. Producing my signature is an undertaking that previously required little thinking but now requires full attention to range of motion. Too much concentration on any one thing renders a trembling right hand that I’ve grown accustomed to humorously slapping back to attention. Sometimes change means loss and at other times change means to gain. Whether loss or gain change is a condition of life. Sometimes that change is met with grief and at other times it is met with joy. Gratitude for the journey is the fuel that propels the engine of faith that sustains us through the grief and lifts us in the joy. The charge given by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Thessalonica is wise; “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Ice glazes all upon which the rain had fallen as light illuminates the once dark sky. The worst of the freezing weather has passed as we look now to the dance of spring. Just as one must make plans to accommodate the relatively unfriendly arrival of winter weather, strategies to deal with unfriendly physical impediments must also be made. One cannot deny the arrival or presence of either nor is it wise to ignore the transient nature of each visitor. Change may bring challenge or relief. Either is best met by a heart strengthened with gratitude and cushioned in thankfulness for the Maker’s abiding mercy. Peace may be found as we relax by the stream of change. Thanks be to God for the shore of mercy upon which we stand!
Clouds boasting bright pink and lavender make a swath across the northern sky as the morning sun makes its appearance from the east. The stillness of the morning permeates the frost laden fields painting an almost surreal picture on nature’s canvas. The artistry signifies a change is on the way. Sun and scattered clouds will soon give way to a darker canopy of rain and snow. The change is inevitable and if comfort is to be maintained, accommodation must be made for its arrival. The change from activity midst tropical breezes and warm surroundings to that of colder and more foreboding climes requires accommodation as well. A change back to regular visits to the health and fitness club along with carefully executed stretching and flexing will restore this movement resistant body to one more adept at negotiating what non disease affected persons experience as normal movement. Blanketed with the embrace of gratefulness this thankful heart beats rhythms of joy at today’s opportunities. Let the victories begin!
The frost covered meadow glistens as the fog rises from the riverbed reminding us that even in the light of the bright morning sun, the cold of winter will soon be at hand. Gone for now are the days of short sleeved strolls down the farm lane. Strolls now are layered and cut short by the grip of the biting cold wind. Firewood is still being gathered in anticipation for the frosty months ahead. Stable stalls will soon be dressed in layers of straw and hay as barn animals nestle in, finding refuge from nature’s winter visit. Prepared or not for the coming change the earth’s rotation progresses as it has for millennia before. We are each the product of change. From gamete to blastula to embryo to baby, change is the very nature of that into which we are crafted. As change after change moves forward we view the progression as age. The fullness of life is experienced in the embrace of change, not as a destination but as the journey. May your embrace today be of the fullness awaiting your outstretched arms!