CHANGES
One of the consistent things about life is change. Changes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be the joy of a wedding, a new baby, or the adventure of graduating and starting a new job. Change can also come through the death of a loved one, the loss of income combined with long term illness, or the trauma of accidents and injury. No matter what the change, joyful or traumatic, it brings added stresses. Things that used to be so natural and easy now become frustrating and difficult. Change will happen and there are very few things we can do to slow it down. Unfortunately we tend to be such creatures of habit that when change does come it can be very unsettling. It can throw our whole world upside down.
Back in March we were informed that the building our office was in had sold. By the end of March we received a letter from the new owners that informed us we had until the end of April to evacuate the space. We went through a couple of disheartening moments as options fell through at the last minute, to finally end up with our new office location by mid-May. (See details in info box)
With some help from a handful of wonderful strong young men and a couple talented friends, we were able to move all the “stuff” in two trips in about 6 hours on Saturday May 13th. That was a good day! The following week was caught up in putting furniture back together, wiring phone, internet and electrical systems along with getting them reconnected and functioning, unpacking boxes and loading shelves, and figuring where things should go. There were hundreds of small decisions that needed to be made.
I’d like to think I have my head together pretty well, and I do try hard to stay on top of things. So I was surprised by my own responses to all the changes. The first couple days I found myself driving the wrong way to the old location instead of the new office. Once at the correct office, I felt like a decapitated chicken running from one project to another and spent an enormous amount of time looking for my tools or my cup of coffee. Every project seemed to be interrupted by another and another. It was often hard to establish priorities so we could be prepared when workers came to work on phones, networking, and electrical issues.
Then once the office was pretty much put together, I discovered my internal GPS seemed turned all around. I’d sit at my desk and reach for a file in the drawer and, although the office setup is similar to our previous office, I would end up opening the wrong drawer or turning the wrong direction looking for something. It has been frustrating because “I’m smarter than this” and “I should know better”. These stresses are relatively minor compared to what others go through, but it still messed me up.
So the analyzer in me continues to assess the condition my condition is in. New or different stresses in our lives can take us out of our normal established patterns and spin us like a top. I’ve noticed that when stresses get too high we tend to lose short term memory and often have difficulty dealing with simple things that normally are easy for us, like simple math, or remembering names and details. Those stresses tend to override the simple tasks and make them hard or frustrating. It’s given me new empathy for those who come here and are carrying huge stresses in their lives and hearts.
I am grateful for what God is doing in the middle of our move and look forward to these new opportunities. Although this isn’t what we wanted or asked for, it is our new normal and with God’s grace we will thrive right where He is planting us. I’m also getting back to basics while thanking God for what He is doing. I’m even grateful for the new bike commute, 10 miles each way, instead of 5 (the extra distance should be good for my health). I’m also extremely grateful for all the help, support and prayers we have received in finding and getting established in the new digs.
Lessons learned: Stresses do take a toll on us. Be patient with yourself and others. This too shall pass. The new changes will become the norm in short time. Remember our Lord is full of grace for us to struggle, and teaches us through it. He will not lose relationship with us as we stay close to Him.
Bob Hardin
Director – NWBCC
Testimonies
· The Lord revealed areas of bondage and lies the enemy has used as ammunition. I’ve seen the Lord love me in the midst of my brokenness and my desire to be forgiven and to forgive. He revealed I’m worthy of love and care. Despite my guarded protective mechanisms, my heart yearns for Christ’s unconditional love. My spouse and I both saw how the enemy has used our pain to imbed lies that caused us to be open to sinful ways. I am deeply grateful for Christ’s work in my heart and my marriage through this ministry. I know God brought us here.
· The Lord has opened my heart to understand my faults are real, but they are forgiven. For years the enemy’s lies have been working on the weaknesses we have. The Lord showed us that letting go of pains and admitting our wrongs destroy those lies. The approach and care Bob has was impactful in my life.
Prayer Praise & Needs
· Praise the Lord with us for His abundant provision for the office relocation.
· In our weakness He is strong! In spite of our weaknesses, God is faithful and meeting people with His love and care. What a blessing to be part of something greater than we are!
· Please pray for continued grace, wisdom, peace, and joy as we look to the Lord for His leading.
“The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.”
D. L. Moody