Living With Change -Part 1
Here in Victoria the weather is always a significant topic of conversation. Crowded House “4 seasons in one day” describes it best:
Even when you're feeling warm
The temperature could drop away
Like four seasons in one day
(Tim Finn Neil Finn, Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., MUSHROOM MUSIC PTY LTD)
Fickle is one way you could describe it, unpredictable another. So how do we deal with such changeableness? How are we meant to respond? Well, I guess one way is to complain and say I want more of the warm weather. I want more sunshine. I want less or no more rain for a while! Yes, we could do all of these things but what difference would that make other than expressing a momentary "vent”?
Some time ago I read a children’s story about a dog called Three. Three was a most unique dog having only three legs. Here was an animal who was meant to have four legs but he expressed so much gratefulness for the three he had, he was not hampered or hindered by the fact that he only had three legs. The story spoke of his travels and the interesting animals and creatures he met on the way.
So what is my point? I’m not calling us to be hyper-optimistic and therefore unrealistic in our approach to life rather, I want to encourage us to look around and recognise the many opportunities we have to be grateful. It is for this reason we say grace (or “give thanks”) at every meal. The words don’t change the meal, nor do they add something magical to it, instead it helps us check our attitude and acknowledge that we have food for this moment. Then what about our beds and a roof over our heads? I finish with the words of Paul to the Thessalonians:
"Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus".
Being thankful and grateful may not change a situation but somehow this change of attitude begins to change us
May you be blessed as you go about your daily tasks and may you experience his joy and deep peace pervading the fibre of your very being.