The other night my son was lamenting his frustration with the phrase, “We’ve always done it that way.” He didn’t understand people’s resistance to doing things differently whether at church, school or work. He wasn’t bashing tradition. He was frustrated with those who resisted making changes when needed.

Changing the Sunday morning worship service, upgrading to a new software system, and painting the living room are all changes that we have to face. As someone who loves to improves systems, functions, and my environment, I am the one at the front advocating for the changes. I’m the one on the committee who is ready to try something new unless the change needed is mine.

Personal change is so much harder than changing a system at least for me. I am one of those people who has food allergies. Monosodium glutamate and gluten are already on the “do not eat” list. Recently, my system has gone into chaos again. Dairy has been added to the “do not eat” list at least for the meantime. That and a few other dietary adjustments are meant to get me back to optimum health. It has been so hard this time. I am fighting making  these changes with every ounce of my being.

I am playing the “why me” card. My prayers have turned into negotiations with God. I continually ask for cheese to be able to come back into my life with an occasional dose of cream. Is that really too much to ask? God has walked me through many changes. Many times this scripture has been my praise. I know this. I trust this and yet, I’m still lamenting making the change.

You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough. (Psalm 30: 11-12 MSG).

I take baby steps toward health. God holds my hand with each step. When I feel whiny and small, He reminds me that He’s got this. He reminds me of the many times he has brought me through changes that felt hard and overwhelming. Then I take another baby step and remind myself that this isn’t the hardest change I’ve had to make.

Making changes are never easy. They challenge us to grow and transform into the persons God is calling us to be. They bring us health and a fullness to life we could never achieve on our own. In the end, we thank God for every aspect of the process especially the final result of that whirling dance with Him.

How do you make changes? How do you transition through the tough aspects of life? How do you lean on God? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.