Practical help in times of change

It’s been a week of letting the reality of change sink deep into my soul. In another week, my life will look very different than it does today.

My days are governed by two lists: things that must be done now and things that can wait. I work hard to let the latter rest while I take care of the things of today. Doesn’t the Book say it, “Tomorrow will worry about itself.” I make myself remember again.

Photo Credit: James Thompson

For the one-millionth time, I’m learning to rest in the storm.

I watch a video of an interview with Ann. She’s talking about life and writing and the transition she is in right now. She asks herself — almost rhetorically — “When I choose stress am I not advertising the unreliability of God?” The question lands hard because I realize that all the throat-tightening, fretful list-making, and stomach-knotting is a communication that God is not trustworthy.

I see the foolishness in my fretting. God has shown himself trustworthy. I have a lifetime and an eternity of evidence and I’m the one with the problem. Worry is lack of trust and every anxious moment must be met with the reminder God is trustworthy.

Along with this reminder, I’ve learned again to accept help, say no and care less about everyone else’s opinion.

Practical Help in Times of Change

1. Learning to say Yes — These days have been filled with offers of help from family, friends, and soon-to-be friends. My mom offered to spend a day helping, to do whatever needed done. My mound of laundry has been the most overwhelming household to-do item. In one day, she was able to tackle the mountain and organize the basement. This has removed a huge nagging weight from my shoulders.
2. Learning to say No — A few folks from our new church offered to come down and help on Thursday, my first full day off to prepare for the move. Since we will only be beginning to organize, I said thanks, but no thanks. We sincerely appreciate the offer, but marshaling volunteers we barely know on Day 1 will add stress, not alleviate it. In years past, I would have felt obligated to say “Yes” to every offer of help from our new church family. I’ve learned that help isn’t help when it doesn’t really help. They will be coming on Saturday to help load and get everything from here to there.
3. Letting it go — In a few weeks, the move will be behind us and we will be discovering the new rhythms and routines of our life. The minutia of relocating will no longer matter. Keeping a long view prevents me from “losing it” when plans change. A well-adjusted family is more important than a perfectly executed plan. I must work hard to remember this.

Posts here will be sporadic over the next two weeks as we adjust to our new home.   There is much to say, but it will wait for a few weeks.  Thank you for your patience.  I will miss sharing with you all during this transition.