Change alone is eternal, perpetual, immortal – Arthur Schopenhauer
In a perfect world, we would get to choose the sort of change that we want for our lives. However, as we all know this world that we live in is far from perfect. Sometimes change is forced upon us at the most inconvenient of times because of other’s lack of attention to detail and poor planning. There are times we will be forced to endure hardship due to another’s lack of empathy or compassion. There will be times when we will experience pain because of another’s selfishness and narcissistic mindset. The key to surviving having change that is negative in nature and unproductive practically shoved down our throats is trying to maintain a positive perspective of it. It is important to remain objective and see the “Big Picture” to remain motivated, efficient and productive. Now I’m not delusional. I understand that there will be days where we will just get tired of giving our all and going above and beyond only to be taken for granted and pushed beyond our limits because we can always be counted on to get stuff done. Over the course of my life I have had to deal with this type of change more times than I would like to count. It is this type of change that breeds cynicism and resentment. It can make one absolutely see a blessing as a curse. For you see, being the one that can always be counted on is a blessing. That means that you are trustworthy. That means that you are a leader amongst followers. That you stand out. It means that when the chips are down, you won’t throw in your hand and fold. It means that when the going gets tough, you are at your best. This type of mentality is Gift from the Most High. Unfortunately, everybody does not have the ability to think beyond what somebody tells them or what they are shown…. actually I take that back. Maybe I’m naïve, but I do think everyone does have that ability …. they just never put forth the effort to tap into it. Effort can make or break you. Sincere effort to be fruitful and productive provides nearly limitless opportunities while a lack of it can stunt growth. In my humble opinion, I believe that when a person learns to see beyond themselves, what’s best for them and finally comes to grips that it’s not always about them that they can effectively tap into the ability to be a free thinking and productive individual. Thus allowing them to give their all in not only making themselves better but making the people around them and their environment better as well. Nonetheless, please don’t be deceived. In order to weather change you must be a free thinking individual. Otherwise, you will allow your environment to define your character.
Just look around you. Every single day we see evidence that the status quo’s days are numbered. From the Arab Spring movement in the Middle East to the Occupy Movement the world over, the old guard has been served notice that the old way of doing things is played and that people are not going to stand for it any more. Nevertheless, we all have a part to play for we all have a responsibility to exhibit the characteristics that we wish to see in the world around us. You want a better world, be a better person. I promise you that positivity is just as infectious as negativity. For those of you reading this that believes as I believe, always remember that God honors effort. But it starts with you. Do your part. No ….. it’s not going to be easy and conditions are not going to always be favorable. Such is life. The key is to remember that the situation may get too big for you, but it never gets too big for Him. Trust Him. I promise you…
Change….
There are several definitions and variable uses for the word change. Don’t believe me? Google its definition. Merriam Webster online defines the word as follows:
“To make different in some particular. To make radically different. To give a different position, course or direction to. To replace with another.”
Yet the definition that stood out to me was this one:
“To undergo transformation, transition or substitution.”
In my humble opinion, the word change gets a bad rep. Change isn’t always bad. One’s perception of it is what personally defines it. I think it is the change that we find ourselves unprepared for that causes us the most discomfort. Unprovoked and dysfunctional change is or can be a major stressor. Dysfunctional change in my opinion is change for change’s sake without a rhyme or reason for it. The kind of change that is made when an individual, organization, movement, etc has no plan of action or direction. Fortunately, this type of change has a very short shelf life and most of the time is only a product of procrastination or poor planning. Reactionary change as opposed to proactive change. I for one am a fan or proponent for Evolutionary change. Evolutionary change is the type of change that is beneficial to every one involved. Evolutionary change makes the environment in which it occurs better for it having occurred. This sort of change is a result of extreme attention to detail. Not change by happenstance. Positive change as opposed to Negative change. I wager if I took a straw poll that most people would sign up for Positive change rather than the latter.
As for me, I’m a contextualist. I believe that there is a time and a place for everything and just about anything is allowed as long as it is placed in its proper context. For example, I’m old school. I believe in courtship before marriage. I believe in wives as mothers instead of children being born out of wedlock. I believe in nothing ventured, nothing gained. I subscribe to the age old adage that if you don’t work, you don’t eat. I believe that you get what you give in this world. You sow bad seed, you reap a terrible harvest. The Word of God even speaks on this (Ecclesiastes 3). I am a contextualist because in order to get to the root of any matter – great or small- it has to be placed in its proper context. Not what we think it should be, but what the facts actually say that it is. If it quacks, has feathers, a bill, and web feet….. chances are it’s a duck and not a rhinoceros. This type of mentality keeps me honest and transparent. Change in its proper context can move mountains. Change in its proper context makes men and women millionaires…..billionaires (R.I.P Steve Jobs). Change in its proper context can save lives. Change in its proper context can open doors and break down barriers (Shout out to our 44th President Barack H. Obama). Change in its proper context in my humble opinion is what I like to refer to as the Optimum Condition we should all strive for.
The Winds of change are upon us.
He never disappoints.
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