Change is Beautiful

Exactly 1 year ago, I shared this picture on my personal Facebook page and wrote these words, "Fall is proof that change is beautiful!"

In this last year, there has been so.much.change. Looking back and reflecting on this past year... I have lost a lot - a job that previously brought me joy, more than a couple of relationships with people I thought were friends, a leadership opportunity with a distinct group of people whom I enjoyed getting to know... those are only a few examples. There's more, trust me. But you know what else changed? Me. I changed.

I am filled with a peace that passes all understanding. Is every day perfect and filled with bliss? Absolutely not. But I still have inner peace even if the storm is raging. God removed some things, opportunities and people from me because He knew I wouldn't do it for myself. I find myself at times still grieving the losses, and tears that fall remind me that the hurt is still there. But God...

I've done a lot of self-reflection this past year. I'm "un-becoming" the person I once was. I'm changing, just like the leaves on the tree. My definition of "un-becoming" is this: un-becoming everything the world has taught you to be. This process involves letting go of some expectations and plans that you had for yourself, and instead leaning on God to direct your path; it involves dropping the opinions and perceived judgment of others, and making a new path, a God-directed path; it involves deeper conversations with God, and other like-minded people that He places in your path. Un-becoming is not for the faint of heart. It's hard. But is it worth it? You better believe it is!

"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind"

~Romans 12:2

This photo was taken on my way to a surrounding little town that has a little coffee shop I enjoy writing at. What you can't see is the bald eagle snuggled in the tree. I see him often, and he is majestic and beautiful. Sometimes we don't see the blessings until we are ready, just like the Eagle in the tree.

I've spent hours this past year talking to God, digging through the Bible, journaling, studying, reflecting, dreaming, planning, praying... I've been "un-becoming".

Yes, I've lost a lot, but what I have found in the process is so much better than I could have ever expected, or done on my own in my own strength. Because when we are weak, His strength carries us through. His plans are better than my plans; His ways are higher than my ways. That is Truth with a capital "T" that I am so incredibly thankful for!

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly

than all we ask or think, according to the power

at work within us, to Him be the glory..."

~Ephesians 3:20-21a