“The change in the weather
seemed to have done him good.”
Ah…don’t you just love it when the sun comes out after endless days of rain? The change is felt in every fiber of my being as the warmth of the sun soaks deep into my soul. I welcome this kind of change…but I must admit, I am not always so open.
“Change is good. Change is GooD. Change is GOOD.”
I find myself repeating this mantra to myself lately because my beloved, predictable, school day routines have been temporarily replaced by wayward summer days. And while I love the adventure of it all, the impromptu drive for ice cream, vacations with our toes in the sand, and more…I have to remind my structure loving heart that change really IS good.
Whether it’s a change in season, place or space…
it all wakens our minds and bodies
to new possibilities and potential for growth.
GROWING BY LEAPS AND CHUBBY LEGGED BOUNDS
When my son was very young, I was able to work from home for Crayola while he played, ate and slept in the same room as my office. I loved this arrangement, but explaining to an under 2 year old that “these crayons” were for mommy’s work was always a interesting challenge.
During those years, his world consisted of our home, the park, and a few days a week at a mother’s day out program at a local church. But every few months, we would pack him up and head off on adventure to see family. This included a plane ride to see new and familiar faces and grand spaces to explore.
On a trip to Denver, I remember him standing with his chubby legs in my lap on the plane, opening and closing the window cover…over and over and over again. I marveled at his dexterity, noting to myself that I had never seen him do anything like that before at home. After that…his little pinchers were in full force, picking up, peeling off, and playing with every little thing.
During another adventure, enticed by something new on a coffee table, he pulled himself up for the first time and by the end of our stay, he was full-on walking while pushing a box.
Despite all of my encouraging and nurturing at home, it was only when he left our home base, that he grew and changed by leaps and bounds.
Now, I am not discounting what he learned at home, but I made a mental note at the time about the power that new people, views, and experiences can do for a developing mind.
And guess what? It’s true for my developing mind too! Yes, my 43 year old mind is still changing and learning and growing. And just like my son, when I confine myself to living the same days over and over again: wake up, breakfast, work, lunch, home, tv, dinner, bed…I get stuck and my growth slows to a crawl.
CREATE CHANGE
Travel and new experiences aren’t always easy to make happen, so thank goodness even the slightest changes to your schedule, space and thinking can stimulate growth.
When I am struggling to write, I change where and even when I write. When I get bored with my workouts, I try something new. Each time I shake things up in my world, there is an immediate burst of growth waiting to reward my bravery, and leading me on to more change.
Take a look at your regular routine and think about how you can do things differently this week!
IDEAS FOR: Shaking It Up
-wake up an hour early this week to go for a walk or commit to watching every sunset this week
-take a different route to work and listen to a podcast (one that you wouldn’t normally choose) on the way there
-have coffee in a neighboring town instead of your regular place and invite someone new
-rearrange your office, bedroom, or any room you spend time in
Whatever you do differently, try to embrace the newness and adventure with open arms, keeping your eyes wide open to see the growth inside.
Changing, Shaking and Growing Good Things,
Especially Me and FHB
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P.S.S.This blog was originally inspired by one of my favorite devotionals: Jesus Calling
“It is easy to make an idol of routine, finding security within the boundaries you build around your life. Although each day contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of circumstances. Don’t try to force-fit today into yesterday’s mold. Instead, ask Me to open your eyes so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of Life.”