The Back Page
By Sue Ferguson
Just like that, overnight the calendar flipped like the bat of Vladimir Guerrero Jr and we are now into the month of November. Dear Martin spoke to our children last week about the subject of change. Different than the jingle of coins in our pockets, the dictionary defines change as “to make (someone or something) different; alter or modify.” We experience change over and over in our lives with so many things and on so many levels. Sometimes it is forced upon us without our consent, and other times we are the ones initiating the change. Why is it that as people we seem to resist change? Innately I think we like knowing what is next, and we are creatures of habit. I know when something at work changes, it takes some time for people to get used to it, but eventually they see it is ultimately for the best. People move in and out of jobs, and out of a job into retirement sometimes wondering what in the world they are going to do with their time. After a few months they are saying “I am so busy I didn't know how I worked!”
The tough thing about change is that sometimes we feel a loss of control when things happen, and that is precisely why I think we want to resist. We must remember that no matter the change, God is in control, and He has our backs. When we lose a loved one our whole world changes in a terrible way, but once we wade through the mud, and if we are willing to lean on God, He takes us by the hand and leads us through. All those years ago when I lost my husband I couldn't see much light at the time, but fortunately I had Jesus in my life in a big way, and He brought my son and I back home to Simcoe to be with our family. He eventually led me to Shane where I found new love, companionship, and a new family. God is good, and change can be too.
As a Church, we are moving into a season of change with the introduction of our new Pastor Pamela Fitkin. I have been at First Baptist for a number of years, and have had the privilege of experiencing the leadership of 2 Pastors now. Elaine Poproski married Shane and I 10 years ago at First Baptist. It was sad to see her go, but I was on the Pastoral search committee when Pastor Darrell Maguire was hired. What a blessing he was for our Church, and we were lucky to be under his amazing leadership as well. I have no doubt that our new Pastor Pamela will bring new energy and life into our First Baptist. Thanks to God that we found a new Pastor so quickly.
The time is changing soon, and as Martin reminded us, we are going to wake up in the dark and come home from work in the dark. I don't know many people who enjoy this time of year, but if we can try to embrace it instead of resisting, out whole experience can be altered. I like mornings walking my dog in the dark because I can see the lights on in the different houses in our neighbourhood and know that I am not alone in being awake that early in the morning. The early darkness of daylight savings will soon bring with it the bright lights of Christmas! The retail world is good at trying to force us into the next season before the current season has even begun! Don't worry. Embrace the change. God has everything under His wing, and He never changes. He stays the same. In that we can feel comfort.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
