THE NORTH STAR
You know the statement, "The only thing that is constant is change". All I have to do is look every morning in the mirror to be reminded that things certainly do change, Where did the firm, smooth skin go on my face? All the lines, where did they come from? Rooms, once filled with noise and clutter and activity are now still, empty, and calm. That may sound wonderful to you moms who are thick in the chaos but it is a change that can be difficult to appreciate when you get to my stage of life. Once energetic and limber, now it takes a few moments to get going as I stand up from a sitting position. Once having full control of my family, now I have to step back and trust my children to navigate their own individual lives. Certainly change is sure!
I must admit that I am uneasy with change. With each variation I experience fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. I much prefer the well known and the routine. It brings me peace to be certain of things.
I feel that this difficulty with flexibility was so magnified in the last 3 years as we all experienced the uncertainly of a world wide pandemic. For me it heightened the anxiety. Change is inevitable though, pandemic or not.
These feelings have caused me to want to search for and grasp with a tight grip that which is constant and sure. When I find my mind spiraling, it settles me to meditate on what is never changing. Like Polaris, the North Star, always pointing north, not moving in the sky, a constant beacon to what is true; true north.
First I stop and think about the constants in my life; the love of Christ, the love of my husband, the care of family and the devotion of true friends. What a comfort to ponder with a grateful heart those lovely facts! My default is often to think of the negative. I can ruminate on negative thoughts for days. I am working on changing that; a change I will welcome.
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you." Phil 4: 8-9
My word for this year has been constant. I meditate on the image of the North Star, that which guides to safety, peace, and truth. Satan is such an enemy. He wants us drowning in the chaos, fear, and uncertainty of life. God says,"no. Look to the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Place your hope on the never changing God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God's promises are sure, constant, and a beacon to what is true.
As I think on these things, I am also convicted that in addition to changing my mindset, I must strive to be a North Star for those around me. My desire is to be a constant in the lives of those who know and love me. I want to be someone who can be counted on to be there always pointing others to Christ Jesus. People come and go but when they are with me I want others to experience someone who is sure. Not perfect or without struggles, for my battles are many, but a person who is convicted on the truth of God's love, and will love them unconditionally. I know I need that in a world that seems to be spinning out of control.
"Do you not know, have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary. His understanding is beyond searching out." Is. 40:28
Galileo once said, "I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." I think that is just beautiful. I too have loved the Bright Morning Star; Jesus. Can I say too fondly to fear the night? That is my aim.
"...Perfect love casts out fear..." 1 John 4:18
"Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Cor. 15:58
Be the North Star.