Today's Meditation:

We're all undergoing transformations all the time, whether we recognize it or not.  We're all changing constantly, becoming something different than we were the day before, someone different than we were last week.  Many people fear these changes and try to hold on to the status quo, whatever it is, just because it feels safe to do so.

Our fears are based on a bit of pessimism, without a doubt.  But should we be pessimistic?  Is our pessimism justified?  Have things turned out so badly in the past that we should be pessimistic about the future?  The truth of the matter is that we simply don't know what the future holds, and we should try to keep in mind that life generally brings very positive things our way.

Of course, the truly pessimistic person may argue that we don't know enough to be optimistic, either.  But that's where faith in life and living and the goodness of our God comes in.  If we have this faith, we know that things will turn out for the best--as long as we continue to do our best and not give in to the negative thoughts and fears that plague us.  As long as we continue to do our best and accept that change and uncertainty are going to be part of our lives forever, we will be able to function well in the present moment because we know that there will be good in our future, no matter how our thoughts may be guiding us right now.

Accept change--revel in the idea that you are going to be a more loving, more caring, more compassionate person in your future.  And without change, that never would be possible!

Questions to consider:

How do you view change in your life?  As a positive force, a frightening force, or both?

Why might so many people be nervous or frightened about what the future may hold for them?

In what kinds of ways can we do our best to help the changes in our lives to be positive ones?

For further thought:

Live for today but hold your hands open to tomorrow.  Anticipate the future and its changes with joy.  There is
a seed of God's love in every event, every circumstance,
every unpleasant situation in which you may find yourself.

Barbara Johnson

Today's quotation:

If we can recognize that change and uncertainty are
basic principles, we can greet the future and the
transformation we are undergoing with the understanding
that we do not know enough to be pessimistic.

Hazel Henderson