Coping with Change

One constant in human existence is that it is always changing. We are confronted by changes at all levels and magnitudes - from global climate change to changes in family structure and routine, economic and career changes, the passing on of dear friends and relatives, and even changes in our bodies. Some people welcome change as an opportunity for progress, but to others change can be an unsettling time of uncertainty.

Last summer I watched a bird family cope with change. The nest was located up under the eve of my kitchen window and it made for a snug and safe home for three birds that hatched there. One morning two of the young birds simply jumped out of the nest and flew after their parents. The third youngster wasn't so sure about this change. He paced back and forth with great concern while the rest of his family called to him from a nearby tree. Finally, he stepped too close to the edge and tumbled out of the nest to the ground. He sat there for a few moments and then flew up into the tree to join the rest of his family.

Is there anything that can help us embrace the changes that come into our lives with the confidence of the first two birds rather then the fear and awkwardness of their more timid sibling?

Here are some ideas I've found it helpful to lean on in times of change.

• In the Bible book of Malachi, God proclaims the fact of His unchangeableness and the consequent protective benefit to us: "I am the Lord, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed."
• God's love for man is continually manifested in the Christ, the loving divine influence ever-present with each one of us. The Bible book of Hebrews declares the permanence of the Christ with these words "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for-ever."
• Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, explains that this divine influence is "ever present in human consciousness and repeating itself, coming now as was promised aforetime ...".

An unchanging protective God. An unchanging, ever-present divine influence repeating itself in our consciousness. These are significant and powerful truths we can ground ourselves on when we are facing change!

A poem written in 1850 by Anna Waring sums up these unchanging truths.

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear.
And safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,
But, God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

Where ever he may guide me, no want shall turn me back.
My shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever waketh. His sight is never dim;
He knows the way he taketh, and I shall walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me which yet I have not seen.
Bright skies will soon be o'er me where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure. My path in life is free.
My Savior has my treasure and He will walk with me.