The Changes We Don’t Choose (11/28/2023)

This morning came very early for me. I am driving a friend to the hospital for cataract surgery, and she must arrive by 5:45 a.m. It is a 40-minute drive. So, I needed my alarm this morning. My morning time with the LORD over coffee on the porch was beautiful with the snow covering the ground and illuminating the neighborhood, reflecting the moonlight. But it was windier than normal and colder than it has been. So, on my refill run, I added a cap and gloves and left the fogged-up glasses indoors on the counter. Advent is on my mind, so I reflected on how I would prepare this year. What will I add? What do I need to take away? Change became the theme of my morning prayer time. And I admitted to the LORD what I know He already knew. I like “change” a whole lot better when it’s my choice.

Change is a part of life. I learned that in school. My biology teacher asked us one day, “What do we call it when we cease to change?” Death. I get that we must constantly change, but as I already stated, some changes come more easily than others. Those changes I decide to make or want to make versus those made for me are easier to accept, to embrace.

I am also old enough to realize that I won’t always choose the changes that I need the most because I like the way it is or I don’t want the challenge. But the season of Advent requires me to look at myself honestly and to choose the changes that will make me more receptive to Christ. And I must admit, there are a few I can think of right away. So, I’m making my list. And I will bring that list to prayer this week. I am sure that my LORD will add a couple; He’s like that. He loves me and wants me to be who I was created to be. The LORD doesn’t “settle” for easiest.

As we continue our journeys of faith, with the hope of the Advent and Christmas season just ahead, let us remember the reason for the season – LOVE. Love itself sent us love as our brother, Jesus Christ. We celebrate the gift we have already received and await His coming again. And as we wait in hope, we are called to change, to open ourselves to the spirit of conversion, the spirit of change for love of our LORD and one another.

The nativity sets in our homes remind us of what is possible because of love. Christmas morning was not what Mary planned, but it was the change the LORD willed which she joyfully embraced. Christmas morning was not what Joseph had expected, but it was the change the angel of the LORD assured him the world needed. Mary and Joseph didn’t apply for their roles in unfolding story of the LORD’s salvation, but they also didn’t reject the change the LORD willed that would forever change them, their lives and the world.

Change doesn’t always come easy, especially when it isn’t our choice. But change can be just what we need in the moment and what the LORD wills for us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.