By Nancy Virden (c)2024

Changes surprise us sometimes when they are sudden and take a turn where we never thought we would go. Circumstances can cause others to shut doors you believed would never close. These catalysts for unexpected upheavals and even dying dreams must be met by our willingness to change. The alternative is to die inside while kicking the door until we damage only ourselves.

This is true within any organization run by humans, who, by their very nature are imperfect in judgment and imagination. Whether employee, volunteer, student, or spouse, the institution to which you belong can prove unhealthy and disappointing. This may not indicate a need to leave, but it always means you must change.

Old(er) age has taught me to recognize when a door is closing sooner than I used to notice when I was younger and more naive. I also had more energy back then to face battles with determination. Now, my strength is applied to more worthy causes such as creating opportunities to accomplish what I believe I am here to do.

I am beyond grateful that life holds few regrets. Instead, I see every past weakness as a human failing, having done the best I could do. There is much I would do over, if possible, and much I will not repeat. Nevertheless, God is big enough to forgive me and to extend grace to anyone I may have poorly influenced or hurt. Amends have been made wherever possible.

Still, I do not relish creating more regret, so I change.

Too many people run about saying life is short. It is not short; it is eternal. Having eternity in mind, and choosing to honor the Father God of the Holy Bible, has kept my aims purer than they would have been otherwise. Wanting an easy life has caused me more damage than any risk and failure. Of course, I wish things did not change so much or often.

As I face another challenge, I know that upcoming situations will be imperfect and alright. I am safe because God holds me. He has never called me out of one circumstance to plop me into another where risk has no positive payoff. He is able, and always willing to bring purpose and fulfillment to me through the work he asks me to do.

Right now, that means finding or creating more opportunities. I do not live for happiness today, but for the joy of obeying God’s leading even if surprises shake me a bit. Eternity is what matters when sadness will not be remembered and all pain will be gone.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Hebrews 9: 27-28

  Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,  so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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