If marriage, parenting and 2 relocations has taught me anything, adaptation is one of the keys to sanity and growth, but mostly sanity.
As an only child, growing up much of my time was my own. At 21 that all changed when Bec and I married. Things continued to change 4 years later when our first son was born in 2007 and another 2 years after that we relocated to Northern Ireland before relocating again to the USA in 2017.
Every significant change created the need for adaptation. When we married, how I approached my time, my finances, even what I ate naturally changed. Similarly becoming a parent changed all the daily or weekly rhythms we had formed as a couple. Again relocation also forced us to find new habits and options.
In each instance we were unable to continue living life according to our previous patterns. We had a choice, adapt and adjust to a new lifestyle or pine for what was no longer possible.
Ever wrestled with that choice?
It’s hard. It’s difficult to let go of the familiar and step into the unfamiliar. But it is necessary in order to enjoy the opportunities change brings.
As a global community we have faced unprecedented, fast paced and unpredictable change this week. Together we face a choice.
I love the innovation I have seen as fitness trainers have trained us from our living rooms, small groups have studied the bible together online and musicians have streamed performances online.
This season will pass, our kids will return to school, we will return to gatherings, international travel will resume and toilet roll will return to our stores but in this moment I encourage us to enjoy the new experiences innovation creates and as we pause awhile in our homes may we find fresh physical rhythms, fresh spiritual rhythms and fresh mental and emotional rhythms.
Long may we come alive as we adapt to new seasons and learn to find peace, joy and life in each moment we find ourselves in.