Good Morning!
Have you noticed the leaves turning? The cool, crisp mornings? The early sunsets and belated sunrise each morning? It can only mean that autumn has arrived in Wisconsin in earnest! With all of the beautiful changes I observe all around me in fall, I can’t help but reflect this month on the irony of change in life.
What is predictable change? It is simply changes that you anticipate regularly, kind of like death and taxes, but could also be birthday and anniversary celebrations, holiday parades, and Green Bay Packers football. Funny thing is though, that really all change is predictable in that it is bound to occur, even if unexpected, because life progresses in ebbs and flows of events that we perceive as good, bad, great, shocking, debilitation, and uplifting. So while we may not expect exactly what occurs when unexpected events come our way, we can be assured in life only that they are indeed coming, and prepare ourselves appropriately for the stormy times of life, and take the time to bask in the moments in life that take our breath away.
Change can be wickedly surprisingly, and give us whiplash as we try to keep up, process, and move on from good or bad events that can change life as we know it forever, or just be an adjustment for the moment. It is so good to know in life that no matter what events come our way, there is a lifeline that is unchanging, absolute in grace and mercy. In times like we live in, there seems to be very little absolute in the world. Evil reigns down in massive school shootings in the most sleepy, unexpected places. Natural disasters arrive with little notice. Jobs are lost suddenly just when the economy appears to be turning around.
I recall a simpler time of life when I was young. My dad always loved to sing hymns, and although they were not always my favorite, I would oblige and play piano as he would sing. For some reason, the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” stuck firmly in my memory. Although my dad was not the best singer in the world, the sound of his voice singing these songs is etched in my memory because of that. Here was my big, strong dad singing songs about faith, grace, and forgiveness. Songs about a living heavenly Father who cared about everything and everyone. An ultimate Friend Who would be there and care for you whatever the circumstances. Absolute clarity about right and wrong, with a message of mercy and grace for the sinner.
When I hear and read the news about another unexpected hit on our sense of security and peace in this world, I rest in this understanding I had as a child that is only re-affirmed as every day, year, and decade passes. There is an absolute authority on life who is stronger, more mighty, and a source of ultimate comfort and peace that is not based on the happenings of this world. God is faithful. This was true as a child, as a teenager, and as an adult, even more true.
“Great is Thy Faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Read about this faith, His Grace, and claim it as your own. While there are no guarantees in life other than change being imminent, there is a guide, a lifeline, an anchor that can help you maneuver through the difficult nuances of life as we respond to change. And Someone to thank for those most precious moments that graciously help us forget about the evil all around. Bask in this security today and always!
Faithfully Yours,
Jill
Jill Murphy
Owner/Physical Therapist
MotionWorks Physical Therapy