I realize this is not news to you, but a wave of change has clearly come upon us. And how we do through it depends largely on our view of it.
In the Bible, there is a small but potent passage that talks about how the men of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. It always stuck with me.
Understanding the times is going to be key to you knowing what to do. Now I am not saying I have a crystal ball, but it is clear that these unprecedented times are going to produce permanent change. I am praying for wisdom and discernment daily to first understand so that I will be confident about what to do.
Historically those inventions, ideas, diseases or even people that produce permanent change are known as disrupters.
Inventions like…
Production of the automobile
The discovery of the telephone
The advent of the personal computer, cell phone, and smartphone
OR
Ideas like…
Women’s right to vote
Civil rights act
OR
Diseases like…
Smallpox
Tuberculosis
The great influenza
AIDS
OR
People like…
Martin Luther King Jr
Gandhi
Jesus Christ
…all changed the way we have lived life permanently whether we have been aware of it or not. And if you have lived through one of those times, the actual change was not always easy.
Many went through those times kicking and screaming. But the fact remained that change came and they either joined the change or got left behind.
Clearly this pandemic is changing us forever and accelerating evolution beyond our comfort zones. This rapid change is uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable to those that are not ready.
As I have shared, the last 32 years of my life have been a whirlwind of change, so given that, I have become accustomed to living in a ready state which enabled me to get through more smoothly and with less confusion. Below are thoughts about how to remain ready when disruptions come.
(Some of the below may sound familiar but hopefully, they aid you and add to your personal readiness. To me it is like fitness, it is not stored, but rather needs continual maintenance.)
What does it mean to be ready to sail through disruptions?
1) Have an anchor (can’t be said too many times) – walk closely with an Almighty God who has your best interest in mind but who Himself is unchangeable…The same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
2) Approach life with a childlike (not childish) spirit of humility, teachability, flexibility, and eagerness
3) Trust your own God given strengths are more than enough, more than adequate for what you are facing. Do you know specifically what they are?
4) Be willing to let go of what doesn’t work anymore – yes, that may include some loss and grief. But, whatever it is, if it doesn’t work, trust you don’t need it for the journey.
5) Look ahead with faith, not fear – know that what is ahead is going to be better. The way to any success is paved with obstacles.
6) Do your part now – use this time-out wisely, build your immune system and personal wellness. Discover, develop and offer your strengths to others. There is a solution that is within you.
Understand these are times of permanent change so do these things and your pathway forward will be illuminated.
When you understand the times, you will know what to do.
And if you are not sure where to start then mark your calendar for June 20th and join us for Renew Your Vision, a one-day virtual retreat designed to help you thrive in these changing times. Stay tuned for more information.
You are in my prayers.
Recent Comments