Change

I have learned over the years there is one constant in life and it is constant called change.  Change is defined as to make different, to alter a course or to modify a situation.  Whatever you do, where ever you go, you can be assured of one thing: change will greet you with open arms.   As a pastor, as a chaplain, as a husband, father, friend, coach, I deal with change every day.  When it is good change, oh – it is the best.  When it is bad change, oh – it stinks.  The outcome, though, is always dependent upon how I deal with the inevitable; namely, change will be on the horizon.

Recently, I had a moment, a moment of extreme sadness and melancholy.  It was a Thursday morning and I was in my office working through administrative duties.  I received a phone call the day before informing me that change was knocking on my door.  You see, every Friday, for about six hours, I travel around with the Morro Bay Police Department as a Chaplain.  I have come to totally enjoy my Friday afternoons working with my buddy Richard – watching him perform impeccable police work and being called upon to provide comforting words to the hurting and to bring a hug of encouragement to the distraught.  Well, the phone call informed that Richard was retiring after 35 years of police work.  Initially, I was stoked for my good friend; seriously, a great career executed by an amazing man leaving a memorable legacy is worthy of retirement, right?  Of course!  However, a day later, I was saddened, bummed out and I must confess selfish, “... my Friday’s will never be the same!”  My course of action: I closed my office door, pulled the blinds shut, put on my gym clothes and went over to Fitness Works for a 50 minute cardio workout followed by 200 crunches... I felt better.

When change comes, there are few things I’d encourage you to utilize to navigate your course of action:

1. Embrace it – since change is foreseeable, it makes sense to simply accept it.  There’s an old proverb that says, “The bamboo that bends is stronger that the oak that resists.”  My favorite Pastor puts it this way, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not break!”  In the case of Richard’s retirement – it is what it is!  I can’t change it, alter it or manipulate it... I simply have to embrace it.
2. Learn from it – ask yourself what you can learn from the unavoidable; is there something in the change that I can take away to make me a stronger, better person.  Augustine once said when asked about change, “... keep adding, keep walking and keep advancing!”  In other words, how can change grow us in our relationship with our Creator?  I have learned compassion, grace, mercy and love from Richard; not only verbally, but by his example and lifestyle.  My hope is that I can apply what I’ve learned from my pal and incorporate that into my sphere of influence as a pastor and chaplain.
3. Know there’s a future good – when we step out of a situation and view the change with objectivity and pragmatism, the prospect of good coming out of it is clearly visible.  A former Jewish leader named Paul once wrote in a letter to a group of followers in Rome, “... all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”  Yes, I will miss hanging out with Richard on Friday afternoons; however, not only will I am able to serve alongside other police officers on Friday’s, I know Richard’s future is bright and full of new opportunities to continue his quest to love on, care for and practically assist the down and out of Morro Bay in totally new ways. 

Well, thanks for hearing my heart.  Richard – we love, honor and respect you.  I will miss our Friday’s, no question.  However, I look forward to future assignments with you as we do our best to serve the citizens of Morro Bay.  To close this brief note, I quote from the lips of Phyllis during yesterday’s house visit, “Richard, you’re retiring?  You are so loved!  You are such a great man!  Thank you!”  Richard’s response: “Thank you!  Just because I’m retired, doesn’t mean I quit caring.  When you see my truck driving up on your property, know I am coming by to check in on you!”  This is the mark of a great man: though retired, he will continue to care, love and serve the object of his heart: people!  Thanks Richard, you’re a keeper!