I don’t like change.
Snuggling deep into my comfort zone, I like to know the what, when and how the future will unfold.
Change makes me nervous. Powerless. Not in control. Even the sense of fear creeps in when something new comes or circumstances adjust my well ordered plans.
Sigh.
I have faced this issue before as you can read in this post.
Yet life is change. So is Advent. I wrestle with the question that lingers this time of year:
How will my heart be transformed by Advent?
I should be writing words about trust, faith, and God is in control, but I want to be honest. Mixing things up, finding new ways, trying different perspectives is all difficult.
This morning I played around with different words describing change that may soften my opposition. I know just a silly mind game, but one I am hoping will help.
Adapt
Alter
Correct (YIKES!)
Evolve
Transform
Turn
Veer (off track most likely crashing into the unknown)
Revamp
Shift
Then I found it:
UNFOLD
I will relax and see what unfolds. Doesn’t that sound peaceful? A steady, slow evolving of my spirit almost like a rose opening to receive the sunshine.
UNFOLD
My spirit stays open to receive the Christ Child and to drink the wonder of the Good News of peace of earth and good will to men.
UNFOLD
My hands and heart spread out, reaching out to others in compassion and generosity.
UNFOLD
To be open to change that God creates within me and listen to the angels telling the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.”
UNFOLD
To ponder a mother’s arms unfolding to cuddle the newborn King, just a God wraps his arms around me assuring me in change or with no change, he is with me and I remain within his protective control
I resist and am nervous about change, but UNFOLD invites, excites and draws me into arms of the One who never changes.
How will Advent unfold for you this year?
PS – I began to think about change this morning due to an upcoming transfer of this blog. Blogs are based on different types of software platforms. I am having this blog moved from Blogger to WordPress and THE CHANGE will happen December 12. The goal is for you as the reader never to be lost, missing or really not noticing too much of a difference. That’s what ‘they” tell me. BUT just in case you can’t find me the end of next week just go to a search engine and put in www.healthyspirituality.org and we will connect again. Hopefully this change will UNFOLD just the way the movers describe and we meet on the other side. Sigh, change…
PPS – Addendum 4 years later – I love WordPress and so glad I made the switch. And I continue to UNFOLD in this wild every changing adventure of life!
Thanks for you blessings on my transfer. Stepping out of my comfort zone but it is a new adventure too, right?
Yes Mia, staying in the flesh is where we get lost. only in the arms of the Comforter do we find peace. Thanks for being such a blessing with your words, Mia
It is the unknown that causes me to take my eyes off Jesus and onto my fear. Unfold reminds me I am in his arms and he is with me. Thanks Nancy for your kinds comments
doesn’t that word just ease the pain of the idea of changing. It brings me peace. Thanks for your prayers, Lyli
Intentional is a powerful word, Rachael. I intentionally come to God knowing he is in charge and we are in his hands through stable and changing times. Thanks your for your kind words.
Unfold gives me peace where change grates my spirit. I know it is a mind game but maybe easier to hold when I wrap it differently. Thanks for your encouragement
I hear many do like wordpress once the change happens. moving out of my comfort zone and growing pains I guess. I like it that you called it a Christmas gift. That makes me more hopeful and excited to receive it.
Oh, yes — anticipating change brings on the fear of the unknown–if we let it. Your wonderful synonym should make a big difference! And thank you for fleshing it out with all of your heart responses. Very insightful and helpful, Jean!
Oh, yes — anticipating change brings on the fear of the unknown–if we let it. Your wonderful synonym should make a big difference! And thank you for fleshing it out with all of your heart responses. Very insightful and helpful, Jean!
It is the unknown that causes me to take my eyes off Jesus and onto my fear. Unfold reminds me I am in his arms and he is with me. Thanks Nancy for your kinds comments
I hate change, too!!! Holding on to that word — “unfold.” Praying for your bloggy transition to be a smooth one. Hugs
I hate change, too!!! Holding on to that word — “unfold.” Praying for your bloggy transition to be a smooth one. Hugs
doesn’t that word just ease the pain of the idea of changing. It brings me peace. Thanks for your prayers, Lyli
The blessed thing about Advent is that the change and the unfolding only happen by being intentional in your time with the Lord. Change is always hard but when you hand over that control to the Lord during this season the change will bring blessings into your life. I pray for many blessings to you as you enjoy His presence more and more as you anticipate Christmas day. Love, Rachael
The blessed thing about Advent is that the change and the unfolding only happen by being intentional in your time with the Lord. Change is always hard but when you hand over that control to the Lord during this season the change will bring blessings into your life. I pray for many blessings to you as you enjoy His presence more and more as you anticipate Christmas day. Love, Rachael
Intentional is a powerful word, Rachael. I intentionally come to God knowing he is in charge and we are in his hands through stable and changing times. Thanks your for your kind words.
Unfold. Yes, this says it much more beautifully than “change” doesn’t it? I’ve been thinking some on change lately too, Jean. Your words are timely for me. Praying joy through the journey. Excited to see how the blog unfolds!
Unfold. Yes, this says it much more beautifully than “change” doesn’t it? I’ve been thinking some on change lately too, Jean. Your words are timely for me. Praying joy through the journey. Excited to see how the blog unfolds!
Unfold gives me peace where change grates my spirit. I know it is a mind game but maybe easier to hold when I wrap it differently. Thanks for your encouragement
Hi Jean! I think it’s wonderful to face the feeling of change even while knowing you don’t like it. And you are not the only one who is shifting over to WordPress. I hope your experience will be smooth, and that we all find you again 🙂
Looks like your Christmas gift this year is a new blog home. Let’s see how it ‘unfolds’.
(Loved that series of thoughts on unfolding. Especially loved the mother cuddles!)
Happy St. Nicholas Day!
Ceil
Hi Jean! I think it’s wonderful to face the feeling of change even while knowing you don’t like it. And you are not the only one who is shifting over to WordPress. I hope your experience will be smooth, and that we all find you again 🙂
Looks like your Christmas gift this year is a new blog home. Let’s see how it ‘unfolds’.
(Loved that series of thoughts on unfolding. Especially loved the mother cuddles!)
Happy St. Nicholas Day!
Ceil
I hear many do like wordpress once the change happens. moving out of my comfort zone and growing pains I guess. I like it that you called it a Christmas gift. That makes me more hopeful and excited to receive it.
will let you know about the move once I am done. yes I am nervous but think it is the way to go. will let you know. realized today I will have a learning curve on posting etc again. DUH! Expectancy is a great one to hold this time of year. Gives me hope and joy. Come Lord Jesus!
Change seems to be the sacred echo, I’m reading about it in so many blog posts. You will love WordPress but there are always bugs to work out when you launch. But they do eventually get worked out, just remember that.
Change seems to be the sacred echo, I’m reading about it in so many blog posts. You will love WordPress but there are always bugs to work out when you launch. But they do eventually get worked out, just remember that.
Isn’t it funny how certain themes emerge when God is inviting us to sit with him? Thanks for your word of wisdom about the change. It dawn on me today how much I will have to relearn about posting, etc. DUH!
Dear Jean
Oh, I have learned through many mistakes in my life that following our Lord Jesus, was only possible when I came to the end of myself!! It is NEVER a comfortable place to be as far as the flesh gives, but there is nowhere else where I would rather be. I often remind myself that all the “things” our hearts cling to in this world for security is false. The only true security for eternity is Jesus living in me and me in Him.
Blessings XX
Mia
Dear Jean
Oh, I have learned through many mistakes in my life that following our Lord Jesus, was only possible when I came to the end of myself!! It is NEVER a comfortable place to be as far as the flesh gives, but there is nowhere else where I would rather be. I often remind myself that all the “things” our hearts cling to in this world for security is false. The only true security for eternity is Jesus living in me and me in Him.
Blessings XX
Mia
Yes Mia, staying in the flesh is where we get lost. only in the arms of the Comforter do we find peace. Thanks for being such a blessing with your words, Mia
Oh you and me both, Jean, regarding a certain wariness and reluctance to embrace change! I’ve had too many unwelcome, unanticipated changes in my life to be able to see it in a positive light.
But ‘unfold’ is a beautiful way to look at it. As I’ve just become a grandma for the first time (a change I relish, by the way), I look forward to how his little life will unfold and my heart unfold with it to eagerly embrace more of what God may have ahead for me.
Thank you! This post has really blessed me on my first visit to your blog over from #TellHisStory. I’m so pleased we were neighbours there! 🙂 x
Oh you and me both, Jean, regarding a certain wariness and reluctance to embrace change! I’ve had too many unwelcome, unanticipated changes in my life to be able to see it in a positive light.
But ‘unfold’ is a beautiful way to look at it. As I’ve just become a grandma for the first time (a change I relish, by the way), I look forward to how his little life will unfold and my heart unfold with it to eagerly embrace more of what God may have ahead for me.
Thank you! This post has really blessed me on my first visit to your blog over from #TellHisStory. I’m so pleased we were neighbours there! 🙂 x
Glad we were neighbors too. Will stop by your blog soon.
The word unfold really helped me so I knew I had to share it.
Jean, would love to know how your experience was with the move when it is all done. I’ve been prodded several times to make the leap as well, but you know… I might have to learn something and change ! hehe..
Anyway…This year, there is great expectancy in my heart. Expectancy for the birth of something new. There is a waiting, moaning, yet joyous anticipation. I wait and watch for the coming of the King.
Jean, would love to know how your experience was with the move when it is all done. I’ve been prodded several times to make the leap as well, but you know… I might have to learn something and change ! hehe..
Anyway…This year, there is great expectancy in my heart. Expectancy for the birth of something new. There is a waiting, moaning, yet joyous anticipation. I wait and watch for the coming of the King.
will let you know about the move once I am done. yes I am nervous but think it is the way to go. will let you know. realized today I will have a learning curve on posting etc again. DUH! Expectancy is a great one to hold this time of year. Gives me hope and joy. Come Lord Jesus!
Jean – May the change go smoothly. I look forward to the unveiling 🙂 Blessings on this “project”!
Jean – May the change go smoothly. I look forward to the unveiling 🙂 Blessings on this “project”!
Thanks for you blessings on my transfer. Stepping out of my comfort zone but it is a new adventure too, right?