Putting on the Familiar

I’m not a fan of change—unless it is controlled change—controlled by me, of course!

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, one day flowed into the next with little difference. Life took on a cadence where I thrived. Change was relatively rare and for me not very welcome.

When my stay-at-home mother took a job after I started college, I remember being happy for her and sad for me—I couldn’t just pick up the phone and call her whenever I needed to. Now I would have to wait until the end of the day. This wasn’t familiar.

Similar feelings enveloped me when my parents built a new house a hill over from the original site, and the home I grew up in was tore down. I had explored every nook and cranny of that house. It fit our family like a glove. It was known.

I still like things to stay fairly constant. Like a favorite old jacket, I can wrap myself in the familiar—being secure in knowing what to expect.

I like to retrace my steps, to go over the same path. I feel confident when I know what is around the next bend.

My life is lived boldly when I have a plan. Something I believe I can count on to guide me.

How sad that for too many years that something has been of my creation. A map of my own making that fails miserably with the first obstacle.

Over time, though, through divine design, I am discovering the path to never getting lost (although I still get a trifle confused now and then!)!

I am starting to exchange that old worn jacket for the One True God. Since He knows where I am going before I start out, what better guide to have!

No matter what direction I travel or what occurs along the way, with Christ Jesus leading, I am finding the detours always lead to the correct destination.

I no longer have to fear the unknown, the unrecognized. Change doesn’t have to be a horrible thing. I don’t have to be in control (as if I ever was!).

By clothing myself with Christ, my life can become an active fulfillment of my purpose.

I can step out with confidence.

With the awakening of that realization, has come a drive within me to know God—to understand Him and His love for me; to get to know this King who would send His Son to die for me; to put my trust fully in Him.

Although my fallen nature prevents me from unreservedly following the Lord, His grace and mercy allow me repeated chances to make the Savior my first choice—to allow Him to become my familiar!

To some extent, we all value the known: the presence of an old friend, the comfort of a weekly service, the contentment of the same job.

Perhaps it’s time to discover the One constant Who won’t go away or disappoint!

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world (James 4:8, NLT).

Reflections: Has Jesus Christ become your familiar? Do you turn to Him first when detours occur in your well-laid plans? More importantly, have you allowed Him to create that plan?