Change

I have memories in college of one of my philosophy classes taking about Heraclitus, the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, who said that “Change is the only constant in life”. The discussion focused on how you can never step in the same river twice. Life is full of change or flux and the question is how are we prepared to face change that is unexpected or make changes that are so needed, like yesterday!  I had the good fortunate of attending an older friend’s memorial service recently. She was someone that despite very difficult circumstances in life, such as the loss of a son and early age struggles, was always a change agent. She wasn’t afraid of making friends with strangers and helping anyone out with the caveat that she would talk about her faith. (Interesting that her name is Faythe!)

I know that regardless of age or circumstances, few people are good at embracing change. The reality is that as our kids go back to school, change is really, really scary! Having a new teacher, new fellow classmates and new classes is a fact that can’t be undone. So, from an early age we are put in the midst of change and must deal with it. The opportunity before everyone is to see change as an opportunity to grow, be better and make a difference in the world around us. The downside is that many will avoid change as if it is the ‘kiss’ of death. Too often we complain about someone rocking the boat and the proverbial statement, ‘We’ve never done it that way!’.

I know that one of the tensions in my life and many is the pull to maintain your personal status quo instead of being open to making life an adventure that is new and exciting each day. It’s not that you must go on an Alaskan Cruise but can intentionally do something different that changes your routine. What would happen if you cooked something different, met your neighbor, choose to look up and see the incredible sunrise or sunset? It’s almost a mind-altering experience to drive to work on a different route or take the back roads home.

I’m so proud of one of my new interns that took a huge risk. He’s a college student who had helped a little with his family over the last 5 years. While enjoying a snack at McDonalds after taking food to our homeless friends I challenged him to consider helping during our summer program. I was so thrilled to have him join our summer intern team for a month. The amazing fact is that this tall, then long haired with a beard guy jumped into a very diverse situation. He quickly became the hit of the summer almost as much as going tubing at Bartlett Lake, doing dance class or going to the library. This incredible young man’s life was impacted and changed by our kids and teens but he also touched the lives of many, including mine!

Change is a fact of life that the sooner we face, consider the implications and do something different than our world will change for the better! I know that one of the opportunities is to understand that life isn’t always about ME, being first and getting everything my way! I know that my older friend who recently died exuded a passion for life where she was more concerned about others than herself. She was willing to risk it all for another and not expect anything back in return.

The change we need to see today is just this type of mindset where we can be second and see it as winning and not losing in life.

As some would say today BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD!