Change

The first day of the New Year - 2011.  What is in store for this New Year?  A great friend told me this
"Each year you make a resolution to Change yourself....How about this year you make a resolution to Be yourself..."  So, So, So very true. 
Life is full of so many changes.  Some that are in our control, and many that are completely out of our control.  In the past 6 months my own life has been through some of the biggest changes I had never imagined until they became my reality.  Learning to do things as a single person, changing homes a couple times, changed jobs, changed towns, and changed my way of living.  Many of my relationships with people changed also - that was probably the toughest of all the changes.  Life is to short to not be who God made us to be.  Sometimes things need to change in order to live that life fully. 
No one said change is easy.  In fact, I think I've said more than once that change is hard.  A few years ago, our school was working at changing some of the ways we teach in order to implement the best instruction for our students.  After teaching the same way for 20 - 30 years, changing things was difficult for some; and why wouldn't it be?  Just as I ask the question what is in store for the New Year, we ask ourselves what will this change have in store?
This I am certain of; change is necessary, life is full of change, change is both controlled and uncontrollable, God however IS in control of change.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let
God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know
God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2 (NLT)

What I've learned is the best change we can make for ourseleves is "to BE ourself".  It's not always easy, but it is the only way God wants it.  Back to my favorite verse.
Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for this New Year.  Thank You for the opportunity to be ourselves.  Continue to bless us with Your Presence and Guidance.  You are the only One who knows what lies ahead.  Help us to trust in You and the changes You present in our lives.  Allow us to be proud of who we are and what is important to us in Your eyes.  Thank You again for ALL You have provided.  In Your Name, Amen.