Expect Seasons of Change, 2

So, how do you handle change? In 1998, author Spencer Johnson, MD, wrote the book “Who Moved My Cheese?” This short book presents us with a parable of 4 mice who live in a maze. In the beginning, they learned that the cheese they longed for was in the same place day after day. Until one day, the cheese was gone as someone moved their cheese. The book continues with the different attitudes the 4 mice had. Eventually, most of them leave the spot that they had known in search of new cheese. So, it is with us. We must learn to change, adapt, & grow. We must be prepared for change to occur in our lives, even without our consent. This could be a 2 yr long pandemic, a layoff from a job, or a divorce/break-up we didn’t see coming.

An old friend of mind reminded me that as mental health professionals we are change agents. We often are here to help people make needed changes along the way. I’m reminded of the basic of gardening. A seed must be planted. The plant must be watered & the soil must be fertilized. Weeds must be pulled up & the budding flower must be nurtured. Fruit may begin to grow but time must pass before it is ripe to be harvested & enjoyed. As a counselor, it is our job is to cultivate or plant things in others. We do not know where others are on their own journey. We may never see the fruit itself as we are simply one person in their life’s journey.

If you are in a season of blessings & happiness, be thankful. Enjoy this time.

If you are in a season of drought, hardship, & despair, remember that this season in your life is only temporary. It will pass.

Remind yourself of what never changes. As a person of faith, I am reminded in Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” John 15: 5 contains the words of Jesus when it states “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, & I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” During this season of change, may we remember that it is not our job to know the future, but only to have faith and trust in God who holds the future & does not change but is faithful.