Navigating Change

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT, emphasis added)

Today is the first day of autumn and change is in the air. In my many years living in Northern Japan, the raucous summer cicada sounds gave way to a melancholy last hurrah as the days and nights turn cooler. To be honest, I also get a bit melancholy as fall approaches, the weather gets cooler and wetter, and the days grow shorter. And conversely, I get a little wind in my sails when I start noticing gradually lengthening days in late winter and early spring.

You’ve probably heard the witty expression, “The only thing constant in life is change.” There are all kinds of changes in life—some of which we look forward to and some of which we may dread. Won’t you take a few moments with me now to consider what facets of change are hard for you and what might help you navigate change in a healthy fashion?

Pause with your palms up as you enter this reflective practice, breathing slowly & deeply, stilling your heart and mind, and opening yourself to the Lord’s loving presence (open toggle for suggestions)
Navigating Change (open toggle to view)

After considering these prompts and questions, collect your thoughts and see what stands out. Consider how you can carry the insights and invitations you received today into the days ahead. What is the next step in your journey?

Close this reflective exercise by talking to the Lord about what you’ve discovered. Perhaps ask the Lord for the grace of letting go of the past and embracing what lies ahead—according to his guidance and calling.

And lastly, close your eyes, thank the Lord for speaking to you today, and take a few slow, deep breaths to finish.

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You might also enjoy exploring Times & Seasons (7 daily reflections).

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If you’d like to dig deeper into the theory of transition and change, consider reading Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges. It’s one of the best resources on navigating change we know of!

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We’re so glad you visited RefreshUs.org today. We hope you’ll make our site a regular way station on your journey of life and faith!

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How could you stir in The Secret Sauce of Vulnerable Community into your experience of our practices, guides, or resources? Consider the following questions & invitations:

Who can I share this with?
What groups that I’m already a part of could I bring this resource to?
How might I form a small learning community to explore these resources vulnerably with a few close friends?
Who can I safely share the hidden and tender stories of my life with?
Who can help me safely process the questions I’m carrying, the invitations I’m sensing, or the shame I’m hiding?

God created you to experience his love and healing in community. It takes courage to walk vulnerably with others, yet it’s so essential to foster the abundant life God intends for you. Please check out our Secret Sauce Guide—Finding & Fostering Vulnerable Community for ideas and resources!

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🌿 Contact Us with your questions, comments, or to arrange a complementary 30-minute conversation 🙂

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Cover photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash.

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