One of my least favorite words growing up.
Changing familiarity and moving with my family to church-plant.
Change from homeschooling to the secular world of public school.
And especially the classic, monthly "change" reminder from my loving mother, "Rachel, please change the sheets on your bed" (Let's be honest, I was never a big fan of changing the bed sheets).
However, the reality of the matter is that change is a big part of our lives. Working as a preschool teacher this past year I have watched my little students go through tremendous changes. And as I thought back to my preschool years I realized those initial changes in my life never really stopped. Thankfully I know my 1,2,3's and ABC's, but Spiritually the changes that impacted me as a kid are still shaping me today and drawing me closer to God.
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| Exploring the changes in our solar system through high-tech telescopes and our cardboard rocket ship ;) |
"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional."
-John C. Maxwell
In exactly two weeks, the day after my birthday, I fly out for Colombia. It was just four months ago that I visited for the 1st time, but I do believe without a doubt that God is calling me to teach in Colombia. I've had that confirmed through His Word, my circumstances, and an inner peace.
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| Deer-in-the-head-light look from Rachel? Accurately captures my current excited-nervous feelings for Colombia |
Whatever you ask in my name, this I
will do, that the
Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me
anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14
"Prayer - secret, fervent, believing prayer -
lies at the root of all personal godliness."
- William Carey
How have the Dukes of Hazzard brought change into my life? I'm glad you asked. No, I'll admit they aren't really my role models in life, although I did love watching the epsiodes with my dad when I was little :) This next part should come as no surprise to most of my fellow blog readers, as my reputation with cars is famous...unfortunately.
The change for me this week came in similar form as Bo Duke to the right. Somehow my drivers side door got stuck on lock and for the life of me I cannot get it unlocked! The key goes in fine but it will only lock the door. It won't budge when I turn it to the right to unlock. I even tried from the inside but it is stubborn (like some of my little students) and there is no moving it.
So I've resorted to leaving the window down and swinging in and out. Bo would be proud...despite the fact that my car is not a 1969 Dodge Charger, just a wannabe. I have gotten some strange looks at the grocery store and my students think it is a riot watching their teacher swing like curious George into her car (I will admit I started using the passenger door as an alternative when I'm at school).
Lord willing it is an easy fix and my friendly auto guys can fix it when they change my oil this week, but I learned a lesson of change from it this week and that is: Unexpected change can be frustrating and although it is easy to just say "Ain't nobody got time for dat!" It is also a prime opportunity to thank God for His numerous blessings, such as the blessing of legs and arms that allow me to climb/swing out of my car and the glorious fact that my car is still running ;) But I am praying that my swinging days come to an end this week.
#3. Cambio a mejor-
And save the dessert for last- my Spanish phrase for this blog is "Cambio a mejor" (correct me if I'm wrong, as my Spanish word mash-ups keep me humble). Translated: Change for the better.
The road that stretches before the feet of a man is a challenge to his heart
long before it tests the strength of his legs.
- St. Thomas Aquinas
God has used the many changes in my life to stretch me and draw me closer to Him and my identity, which is found solely in Him. This past year my heart has been challenged, but I have come to the conclusion that this life is not my own. I have been redeemed by the Lamb. I am ready to embrace these new changes by submitting my current securities and worldly satisfactions, and securely clinging to Christ's sovereignty and His presence. I am human (shocker!) and so many times I doubt God's promises, but time and time again His grace reminds me what an awesome, loving, all-powerful, etc...God I (and hopefully you) serve!
The ancient, powerful hymns always hit home for me, but especially the stories behind the author of each hymn.
I leave you with one of my favorite hymns, "Take My Life." The prayer I have for my life of glorifying God. It comes from Frances Ridley Havergal, who lavished her strength upon work for the Master, and considered all her talents to be only loans from the Lord, to be used in His service. My prayer is that of the last stanza; that we would all- "ever, only (be) all for Thee."Amen.
Take My Life and Let It Be
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
