Change... it's inevitable

"The only constant in life is change." I don't remember where I first heard that quip, but boy, is it true. Life is all about change, and for the most part, I've embraced that fact. Growing up as a military brat, I quickly learned that the only constant in a life of change was my attitude; I could resist the regularly changing locations, or I could embrace them (I learned to embrace them, which is probably why I enjoy traveling, even if I haven't done that much or will be doing much of it in the near future).

As an adult, though, I find change a bit more difficult to accept. I know I should have a positive attitude, and generally speaking I do, but sometimes maintaining that outlook can be a bit challenging, especially in light of a difficult change. Take friendships, for instance. I've had to accept the fact that having kids makes getting together with friends (who also have kids) almost impossible. Not only do we have to juggle our already busy lives, but we also have to juggle our kids' schedules, and those don't always coincide.

Sometimes, too, those friendships evolve. A friend and I were talking the other day about how different friends (and friendships) meet different needs. Is it any wonder then, that as our needs change, so do our friendships? Acknowledging that truth isn't easy; I, like most people, want to hold onto what feels right and what's worked before. I don't want the relationship to change (or in some cases end) just because a particular need has been met. Rather, I want the friendship to develop and evolve, taking on a new perspective and filling a new need.

Despite resisting (some) change, I'm also re-learning to embrace it. Instead of considering what I've lost because of it, I'm learning to celebrate what I've gained. All those people God has brought into my life have helped me discover who I truly am. The more I experience life and get to know those around me, the more in tune I become with whom I am becoming. I certainly feel more real, more like myself now than I did ten years ago. I'm more aware of what's important to me, and what I value, but also, I'm becoming more aware of my own shortcomings and needs. I'm learning how to recognize those areas where I need to grow while protecting those areas that simply need to be strengthened.

So why the pondering? One is the upcoming move of some very dear friends. I'm so happy for them, especially since I know that this is what they've been waiting for, but I'm going to miss them tremendously. It's hard imagining them not being just down the road. The other is watching Leah grow. I've gotten to the point where I want to rock her to sleep (I don't... well, sometimes I do if she's not feeling well) simply to prolong the cuddling. I know that she won't always be this old; that every minute she's growing stronger and bigger. I'm doing all I can to capture each moment, but how do you capture time? A photograph helps (and we have plenty of those), but how do you capture a feeling? Thus, again, I'm resolved to accept change.

Until I can stop it, I'll simply store up the moments, enjoy the present, and anticipate the future.