This week, I think I hit my first real case of writer’s block. I kept racking my brain for something to write, but nothing seemed to click. Then, while having dinner with Lauren (pulled BBQ chicken — a meal we have every Tuesday), she started teasing me about how I still haven’t moved a piece of furniture out of a room we’re redoing. It struck me that my love for routine extends far beyond meals — it’s a way of avoiding change altogether. That’s when it hit me.
I’ve been quoted in this publication before saying that routine is a great thing — and it really is. Daily habits like working out, eating healthy, and keeping a prayer journal ground us and give our lives consistency. But if I’m being honest, I don’t love change. My wife and mom even joke about how I’ve been holding out on getting a new couch because I don’t want to face that “monumental” shift in the living room. Or how I’ve dragged my feet on moving furniture until the very last minute. I have even refused to move stuff out of my childhood bedroom at my parents’.
Still, as much as routines keep us steady, sometimes change is exactly what’s needed — and God reminds us He’s always doing something new.
Pastor Tim, who always seems to have the right advice, once encouraged me to spend time in Isaiah. He pointed me to this verse, Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV): “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
We (or maybe just me) worry about a lot of things. I try hard to “let go and let God,” but man, is it tough. Recently, though, I’ve been better at this, and when you actually step back and trust Him, you start to see how God works — and how great He is.
In my mind, I often think: things are so good, why would I want anything to change? I get in a groove and just want to stay there. But that’s not what God wants. He has plans for you and for me — and they are great.
Look again at that scripture: “I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” He’s not saying, “what’s good is good, just keep going about your business.” He’s saying He will transform the toughest, driest, most barren places in our lives into something fruitful. But here’s the hard part: that means we have to trust Him — and embrace change.
Learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones. Find someone who challenges you to grow. I’m so thankful for Lauren. She’s pushed me to try new foods (I now like lamb), explore new places (I’ve even been to Tortola…though I can barely spell it), and update my wardrobe (I have some fire fits) so I’m not always dressed like a dad mowing the lawn (her words, not mine). Each of those changes — even the small ones — has shaped me into a better person and opened up more of the world than I ever expected to see.
Don’t be afraid of change. It may just lead you to something so great, you won’t be able to imagine your life without it. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, and trust that God is making a way for something new. Embrace the change — the best version of you is on the way.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
