One thing
I’m coming to understand in my little world is the only constant seems to be
change. With the dawn of each day there’s something that invades my life like
the consistency of the ocean’s tide. These
tides of change aren’t necessarily
good or bad, they just are! Have you noticed
this peculiarity of life? You know,
where each day brings yet another surprise? A wave of bewilderment that demands immediate action? You’ve been there, right? Remember a time when everything was running
smoothly and then, unexpectedly it happens, these tides of change frequent and a necessary adjustment is in order?
Personally,
2014 has been full of surprises, sprinkled with this situation followed by that
circumstance. Numerous episodes that have not only have altered my schedule, they’re
becoming common place. I guess this is
why I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately.
Last week, I woke at 2:37 in the morning, wide awake. This morning, it was 2:17am. Seriously, what does one do at this crazy
hour of the day? Put the coffee on? Yes!
Turn the TV on, not a chance (there’s no golf on at this ridiculous
hour)!
As I consider the reality that yes today
another surprise is just around the corner, I’m reminded of one of the most
famous poems ever put to paper to help bring perspective. The poem was written
by King David, Israel’s second king. He
wrote Psalm 23. Here’s some
highlights that have helped me through this phenomenon called tides of change:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want – amidst change, we can be confident that
our shepherd above will meet our every need.
In other words, He’s got it under control!
He makes me lie down in green pastures – amidst change, we’re invited to rest, to
chill and to enjoy life.
He leads me beside still waters, restores my
soul and guides me – amidst change, our Creator will navigate
our life for the good – for our blessing, His purpose!
Though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, You are with me – amidst change, especially during the agitating moments we have, our
Creator is right there beside us, holding our hand, sometimes carrying us
letting us know it’s all going to be okay.
You prepare a table before in the presence of
my enemies – amidst
change, we can still find purpose and discover meaning when life doesn’t simply
make sense.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me – amidst change, we can be assured that
there is a future good and that future good is ours for the apprehending.
Yesterday I
received news that my dear friend changed his residence; Bill Reimer moved from
this earth to his new home in heaven. I
love Bill like a father; we became very close friends this past year and
half. Though I knew his impending death
was close, it still felt like it was new, like tides of change if you will.
As I’ve reflected just these past 12 hours, I’m holding fast to David’s
promise in Psalm 23. I have
to.
The tides of change is here friends. These tides
of change come in different shapes and sizes, they know no boundaries and
they come at unexpected times. And, I
submit that Psalm 23 is intended to purify and ennoble our natural emotions
that come with these tides of change and
elevate us to a position of victory, meaning and acceptance.
I hope this
little article helps. It has helped me
just putting my thoughts on paper as I work through my buddy’s passing. Have a great day and thanks for your ear!
