Change

People, institutions, and groups often talk about their desire for change.  The thought and often precise words are embedded in mission statements, organizational names, and job descriptions.  Careers as well as hours and hours of speeches are dedicated to the science and achievement of change.  Despite this apparent desire and focus the harsh reality is simply that change is not wanted or expected.  If anything does happen the results, messengers, and those closely associated with the change are often ostracized, ignored, and almost certainly never recognized.  Before I go to far I readily admit that I recognize myself in the group who are inconsistent in deciding which side of the change fence they sit on.  Everything is simple; except when it comes to me.
 
The heart of the challenge comes from the simple fact that we don’t expect anything to happen.  The story is ages old.  When the blind man was healed “the town was buzzing.  His relatives and those who year after year had seen him as a blind man begging were saying, ‘Why, isn't this the man we knew, who sat here and begged?’”  (John 9.8)  My thoughts exactly!  There was no chance that those looking to make a difference were going to be successful so why look for it?  Obstacles, difficulties, and barriers overwhelm any chance of success or change.  Or so we think.
 
As much as I find myself fighting change at certain times my heart reflection pulls me into a new direction.  Embedded in hope is change.  Buried in the future is a world hopefully different from the present.  Sitting in the present is the decision point for both.  Will I embrace the community of hope?  Can I release myself into mercy and love?  Will I change?  Do I want to change? 
 
Change is often difficult as well as painful.  Yet it is in the moment of change I find the gift of hope present, alive, and ready.  You and I can make a difference!  We can be part of the solution.  The opportunity is here, right now, in this moment.