Change is not always bad

Recently, Karen and I met a couple for dinner. We were a few minutes early so the hostess seated us, we ordered our beverages and chatted until we saw the couple heading toward the table. Well, the couple we were meeting was laughing as they made there way over. As they seated themselves, they were still giggling. Something obviously funny happen so I inquired: “What’s so funny? They looked at each other, hesitated for a few moments and finally spoke up. “Well when we entered the restaurant we told the hostess that we were meeting a couple, and she said “Oh you’re meeting the older couple. They are over there.” After the initial shock of being perceived as an older couple, I began to ponder – perhaps it’s time to begin making a shift in my thought process. Now, I don’t think that this will necessary bring a traumatic response in my life. It’s not going to cause me to trade Karen in or to take ballroom dancing. I don’t think the shift or change is a bad thing at all. There comes a time when shifts occur in life.
Today change is more than thematically prevalent. As individuals and as a nation we need to shift thoughts, words and actions. Change is now necessary. It is necessary personally, diplomatically, economically and socially. But the problem is that “we” – the “status quo” do not change well. In a strange moment I read “The Conservative Soul” by Andrew Sullivan who reminded his readers that the status quo is not intended to change but rather stay similar. So the tension is naturally created between a system that is opposed to change and what really needs to happen. There is an innate resistance to change and the default mode is to always “stay the course.” Status quo minimizes change. Change is never actualized because the status quo does not allow it to effectively achieve its intended purposes. Change requires an event or some stimuli to achieve results.
We enter this New Year with a political shift that for a majority is hopeful and for all citizens historic. Barak Obama is seen as a precursor for real political and diplomatic change. There has been a drastic change in the economy that has significant impact. I do not know anyone who has not been affected by the conditions of the market. But this change is also a precursor and I believe this is a good thing (“good” doesn’t deny nor dismiss the painful affect it is having on individuals or families) but without this change I’m convinced that we would become even more absorbed into “believing in the lie as if it were the truth” and we would end up walking further and further and further away until one day we’ll just wake up and forget what ultimately matters.
2009 is a time of change and as followers of the Christ let me encourage you to be a healthy presence by embracing the core traits of your faith. As you begin this New Year remember who you are and whose you are. “Do not conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable and perfect.”There is power in your invitation so live in Grace, embody your Faith, express the Hope, experience the Joy; and remember “It’s a brand new day.”

Written by Rev. Bruce Wismer
Co – Pastor at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church Sarasota, Fl.