Change is...HERE!

For a long time, and even at present, change for me meant stepping into an unknown and unpredictable dimension that could go one way or another. And instead of revving excitement, it evoked fear which for far too many times was allowed to rule. Thankfully, the other times were spent pursuing what I wanted or needed despite the fear. And I am realising now more than ever that life needs change, lest we die.

My past seasons were about building relationships and pursuing purpose with passion. Were they successful? To some degree, I would say. Is there more to do in those areas? Absolutely! And more than likely these areas are aspirational throughout my life. But what became clear to me in the past few weeks is that a new season as emerged. A change is in the air.

I reflected on why change came into my spirit as the new season. Perhaps the easiest reason is 2020. Yes, 20/20 vision helps us to see things clearly. But the year 2020 has forced the world to change in ways never before seen by any of us alive. Surviving meant changing lifestyles, habits, perceptions, interactions, use of technology and so much more. But the main reasons that I believe are driving this season can be summed up in caterpillars, chameleons, and carbon. 

When one thinks of a chameleon, it’s likely the first thing that comes to mind is its penchant to camouflage. This often helps some species to reduce attacks from predators. But their ability to change colours is much more diverse, and includes regulating body temperature. As reptiles, they are not able to generate heat; the best option is therefore to absorb it from their surroundings by changing colours. They also use this mechanism to socialise and ultimately, create connections to procreate. The most adept chameleon is therefore one that can recognise what is happening in its environment, what is needed to sustain it, and then choosing the right colours at the right time to make it happen.

In the same way, I need to be malleable. So much is happening around me and to me. If I don’t change to the colours that suite my environment as it evolves, then I won’t live up to my potential and may even stagnate.

Then there is a caterpillar. From a seed, it hatches into a worm-like form, crawling from place to place and eating along the way. Then there comes a time when the caterpillar realises that its current form of being must cease to exist, so it hangs from a plant, creates a cocoon, and begins its metamorphosis. When the time has come, a beautiful butterfly emerges. The butterfly doesn’t crawl, but flies. It is not as restricted in movement, but goes from space to space.

Becoming a Christian was like that metamorphosis. But growing as a Christian means recognising areas in life where a complete transformation is needed. And as life unfolds, these areas for which this type of change is needed are being revealed and becoming clearer. 

Carbon is paying tribute to my chemistry background. Carbon is like a popular and vital atom, found in many places. But for my purposes, I will speak about diamond and graphite. Both these items have the same chemical composition – pure carbon. And yet, they are completely different because of how the atoms are bonded. Graphite is soft while diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man. They also look very different. Graphite is used in electrodes and other places as a conductor of electricity, and is also used as a lubricant. Conversely, the very hard diamond is used for cutting and drilling and as a precious stone.

My chemical and physical composition is not changing; I will forever have the same DNA, fingerprint and blood type. But as a person who was Divinely gifted with the ability to change, I can be both diamond and graphite. I can be a channel or conductor of grace, blessings, encouragement or whatever is needed to uplift and empower. I can also cut through the chaos and endure pressure to emerge stronger and shine (like a diamond).

So...what next? 

1) The new season will require me choosing to change and committing to it. Too long I have consciously and unconsciously told myself that transformation is impossible in some areas of life. I am now choosing a different narrative and committing to sustaining it.

2) My consciousness must be more focused on whatever is good, noble, honest, and of good report. Many times, my default is if I/you/we do or don’t do “this”, then the worse “that” will happen. This is not what God expects of us, so I am renewing my mind and depending on the Spirit to effect the change needed.

3) Confidence must become more of a habit. If I have been given a spirit of power, love and a sound mind, I cannot be timid and afraid. 

4) I must strive to be more compassionate. I have not been perfect, and often not treated people the way I should. I must learn to be more compassionate while also being discerning. Sometimes I will need to give a fish, but other times, it’s instructions on how to fish.

5) Being Christ-focused is what underpin all of this, and how I have been choosing to live since becoming a Christian. This season is therefore not about becoming focused but expanding it. It is not enough to rest on my past, but I must seek after what God through Christ has planned for me and act accordingly.

I know, but yet found very profound in recent time, the fact that my life begins and is sustained in the mind; that is where change must begin. The actions that are visible may only tell a part of the story of what happens in the mind. Sometimes the mind wants what is contrary to the actions that are taken, which creates instability. In this new season, I want this imbalance is corrected, to be more aligned with who I am truly created to be, and the ill-conceived and destructions ideologies and views challenged. 

Change is necessary. I must therefore embrace it and begin to habitually see it as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. There is a time for being static but that time is not now. A season of change has begun!