3pm
We are hurtling towards the end of the year. In the last few days it has struck me that 2015 is just around the corner and I’m looking back saying, ‘what have I achieved this year?’ In years gone by, I was constantly running to catch my tail, or catch up on sleep, or catch up with friends, or catch up with housework. This year has been so different. Leaving CCFm at the end of May was a nerve-wracking change of monumental proportions. In dealing with the differences, I’ve had to prepare myself for some emotional ups and downs. Elation at no time pressure followed by deep time of internal reflection as to what does God want me to do. I don’t want to waste time. From June to the end of October, I have been kept pretty busy…up to my birthday, but there have been no plans beyond. I come back to:
“If it is to be, it is up to me!”
Suddenly, I need to get ultra disciplined….to get my time structured so the day doesn’t flit away – a puff of breath and it is gone. Simultaneously, I keep reminding myself that this is a special ‘for me’ season. I must enjoy it while it lasts. Change is one of those things that you have to face.
These are principles I’m trying to apply as I have dealt with and will continue to deal with change….
1. “Be Patient With Yourself.”
I often say these words to myself. People make a lot of money in dealing with change management (475 000 000 results when you Google ‘change management’!) People don’t like change. They find it hard to adapt to change. They don’t want change. Often-times, even subconsciously, I am internally struggling with the massive change that I have encountered this year. For me it’s been a change of psychological equilibrium relating to my self-worth! There! I’ve said it. I’ve hit the nail on the head – in scribbling down my thoughts today, I’ve put my finger on the exact problem! “It’s a change of psychological equilibrium relating to my self-worth.” Yip, that’s it. When I was ‘on the radio’ I felt so much more valuable! I was no more valuable than I am today, but I felt I was. That’s the unsettled shift in my mental and emotional equilibrium. Patience is needed. I remind myself that I am still as valuable as ever, just in a different environment!
2. Don’t “Go It Alone”
Many years ago during the war days in Rhodesia, travelling between cities by road was dangerous. For that reason, armoured vehicles with well-armed soldiers (gunners) would lead convoys of cars on national roads, protecting them from what we referred to as terrorist ambushes. Phrases such as ‘catching the convoy’ or ‘going it alone’ were often mentioned. Always, always, ‘catching the convoy’ was the wise and safest way to go. When it comes to change, the same advice applies. You don’t want to ‘go it alone.’
Right after I left CCFm, I started Beth Moore’s Breaking Free course. My (wonderful) friend, Alison, was running it. At the time, I hardly knew her and contacted her the day before the course began asking if I could join! This gracious and godly woman said yes! On the first day, I said I was there to try and find my identity in Christ. I had been so sucked into radio, that I felt my significance largely lay within the Rise and Shine show. Unbeknownst to me, this was God, leading me gently, but clearly away from a life that I was absolutely passionate about and that had me strongly in its grasp. God has used this course and the amazing group of women with whom I have shared it to guide me through what could have been a trauma of note. Many times in the Bible, God repeats advice. He does it for emphasis. In my life this year, I have been doing the Breaking Free course twice. Once with Allie’s group on a Tuesday morning and again on a Friday morning with my regular Bible study group. This ‘double dose’ has been invaluable in reiterating the freedom I have in Christ. If you are struggling with change, don’t go it alone. Get help.
3.Get Into A Routine
From the start, I tried to get into a routine and stick to it. There were a few adjustments as I figured out what worked for me, but generally, my morning routine got arranged and I stick to it. This ensures that my day kicks off with structure and it makes me use my time more wisely.
4. Cling To God
I found this phrase in the Bible. It comes from Psalm 63:8.
I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me.
When I hear the word “cling”, it so conjures up complete dependence and determination not to let go! When you cling to another person, there is a big degree of desperation to be held and helped…to be secure and comforted. When we are at our wits ends, when we are grieving, desperate, lonely, depressed, uncertain, afraid, we cling to God. But now that I have let go of my safety net and I am in freefall, regardless of how I feel, I cling! In happy times, when I am joyful, when I am smiling and content and not overwhelmed, I cling. Just make it a habit to cling to God. His right (dominant, strong) hand upholds me! Yeah! In His Grip!!!
Keep the smile going!
God bless you!
(Still) In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂
Gratitude Pic…beautiful early morning skies….5-23am this morning…
Super day spent with friend Lynda….photos tomorrow!