Change

Who thought it would be so hard?  Or so exciting and exhilarating?  I like the variety change brings in my life.  I don't like the adjustments that come with change.

Take technology, it is always changing, evolving into something "better."  (At least that is the claim by Techies.)  How amazed we all were when cell phones first emerged.  I loved having a phone available for use on trips in case of an emergency.  I got used to carrying a phone with me everywhere I went, so I was accessible in case someone needed me.  Then I enjoyed the freedom of text messages, taking pictures, internet access.  But with each new phone, I experience operator frustration.  I can't figure out how to adjust the volume, add new numbers, or how to use the latest feature.  Once I am comfortable with the new gadget, I don't ever want to change again.  That is, until something better comes along, or the old one is dropped in the toilet.

I change to the new, but complain when life doesn't function exactly as before.  I long for the old, the comfortable, what once seemed easy.  The new might be better, but I struggle.  What once took a moment, now takes twice as long because I haven't learned or figured out the new.  It is cumbersome.  I wonder if I made a mistake in opting for better.  Was the old one really that bad?  I become more agitated when I don't get a choice, like when blogger makes changes that I didn't ask for.  I struggle to upload or format photos that used to be a piece of cake.  I curse those in charge.  (Not really, but I'm sure some do.)

I read in the bible how God chose Moses to bring deliverance to the Children of Israel.  They were slaves.  After several setbacks, they were miraculously set free and dined on supernatural provisions.  Yet it wasn't long before they complained and desired to be back in Egypt, back to their slavery.  I never understood how that could happen.  Why would anyone want to go back to their days of hardship?  Why wouldn't they embrace the new?

I think I understand now.  I don't like to be pushed out of my comfort zone, not even for something better.  I murmur and complain in much the same way the Children of Israel did.  Slavery was more comfortable than having to learn a new way of life.

I don't want to hold on to the old, when the new offers promise for a better future, and greater achievements.  Change comes with a price, but sometimes I'm not sure I want to pay it.  Whether it's a new job, moving to a new city, or a changed relationship, it requires effort.  I'm pushed out of lazy mode into careful deliberation, and struggle through learning the new.

I think this is exactly why God prompts change.  When we aren't willing to accept change, it sometimes feels like the rug is pulled out from underneath us.  When everything remains the same, it is easy to remain comfortable, to be lazy and quit putting for effort.  We become selfish and self-centered.  We don't take think about the world around us.  In a  life of ease, we can manage without God.  We forget to depend on Him and choose to just go about our business.  It's usually not to exciting or thrilling, but it's easy.  Change is hard, but pushing through frees us from our lazy self and offers greater potential, more promise and opportunity.