changes

this is how i figure it.

i'm a predictable person.

i'd love to say i'm adventurous and spontaneous.

but the here's the naked truth:

i sit in the same area at the same church i've gone to for 10 years.

if i find a restaurant i like with an entree i like, chances are i'll order that entree each time i return
which will be frequently.

the servers (most of them) at my favorite mexican spot, know my order.

i go to bed around the same time each night.

i vacation in the same area.

i went to nursing school specifically to take care of children with cancer

&

i still work at the same pediatric hospital in which i did my internship back in 1991.

if i like a book or movie, chances are i read it or watch it more than once.

i don't like it when my friend and her family move to nebraska.

or when the power company slaughters the dozens of bradford pears
that have lined my property for the last 15+ years.

i guess it's safe to say i don't accept change very easily.

i know. snore right?

i would love to say that change excites me

that i thrive on new adventures

but it doesn't & i don't.

if someone could please make these characteristics sound more positive, i would love it

i don't want to sound like an old predictable stick in the mud.

but in the midst of change
i can feel relationships strengthen despite distances.
i have had more heart conversations with those i love,
even though i don't visibly see them as frequently.
in the midst of change, i have a front row seat as those whose lives are changing
are deepening their own walk with the Lord.
in the midst of change,i am forced gently reminded to look outside myself
& depend on others.
while i don't prefer to be needy, i have found strength through some
of the best friends i feel like i've had in a long time.

a landscape company is coming today.
they'll start planting trees. lots of trees.
with all my beautiful bradfords gone, the view i currently have is less than pleasant.
( dan's probably cracking up at that comment as i've loudly grumbled and complained about it for weeks)
it's expensive. it's labor intensive.
but the view from my back porch will change again
& will be beautiful.
one day.

& one day,
i'll be okay with all the other change that's going on my little world.
my view is slowly starting to change.
the view from my heart.
& it will seem beautiful again too.

~~~~

"The beautiful thing about change is that it provides a contrast for the people and things that offer us strength and stability. These steady things in life become so visible when everything else is swaying. I treasure these times of change. My family is moving, but at the same time and in all the ways that count - we don't move at all."

kristin armstrong, found here