The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Change - It's Inevitable

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

26 February 2003

When I was young and closer to having "all the answers," I looked forward to change. It was exciting to have something different. Not just a change in things at home, but a change in styles of clothes, new things to do after school, a new event in our town.

At school, a new classmate was a welcome chance to learn of new things or someone else's way of doing things.

Moving into advanced schooling and then into the work force of various jobs, I always found new things interesting and challenging.

The older generation, however, seemed too "set in their ways"- something I didn't understand and found them much too routine for my young blood.

Never changing a room, nor changing vacation plans, or the way you do something each day seems too much of a grind...but at Middle Age I have found the merry-go-round of a changing life is spinning a little too fast now.

Change is something that is happening far too often of late. Friends lost, parents gone, a favorite place to shop- closed, children's laughter grown and gone.

I now have found I am longing for a still moment of certainty, not change, and I know a little better why my elders loved the familiar sights rather than something new. I know they were happy just with our frequent short visits.

A friend explained: "Change is inevitable. There will be losses. But look at the good changes this year. For every loss, there is another gain if you look for it.

Last week I lost a couple of good friends, long-time faithful employee Betty Schaley, good friend Beverly George, but, I can rejoice with continued blessings of new grandchildren and soon a new son-in-law. When we look beyond our grief, we look up to see the continued blessings God is surrounding us with.