the sea remains the sea

A switch over will occur in the next months. People will go and others will come. While I wish those I know all the best and am proud to be friends of such faith and obedience, I’m going to miss them as some of my favorite folk (especially in the laughing department) and as competent, creative workers.

In thinking about my own situation (which might be too revealing to those who actually read this blog) I’m content with the commitment I’ve made thus far. Maybe because I’ve done and made that commitment, I don’t have many reservations about staying. In the midst of all this talk of change, it’s easy to start thinking of my own transition. But it’s kind of like the heptathlon my sophomore year. It sucked, it hurt, I was exhausted but because I had committed to the season from day one (one being that hot July day before freshman year when I started running for real), I knew those irksome feelings would pass. The next mountain top experience would come, maybe even that year. Sooner than I expected. The ebb and flow went hand in hand. So when Nationals came along, of course I was elated and glad I hung in there.

Consistency is another word that comes to mind as I think of change. It's an reality we try to maintain at least on the road with the kids. Without it they would be exhausted, cranky brats. I need it in my life, too. Not a whole lot has to remain the same, just the important things. Like talking to my sister before I go to bed. Reading my Bible when I wake up. Going for a run or playing outside. Being as human as I am, such consistency is impossible to maintain 100%. And the foibles also lie with the others I come to depend on. Thankfully, I know God hears this prayer. This exhaustion in my heart when consistency is replaced with chaos and confusion. The consistency of this job, the fact that I have one, albeit random and uncertain at times, keeps me calm at least for now. And thinking of the future throws me for a spin sometimes. But I’ll continue to be committed to who I follow now, what I do now and where I am now. That commitment can be the consistency in my life.

“It is true there is ebb and flow, but the sea remains the sea.” Vincent Van Gogh