Shift Happens

SHIFT HAPPENS. It’s been said that the most dependable aspect of life in these times is that things change. Somebody “moves our cheese.” Shift happens. Just when we think we’ve got all our life neatly organized (right!), something changes. Sometimes, it’s really big. A boss says the company needs you in another city. Or another department. Or not at all. A child leaves the “nest” for school or a life on their own. A spouse walks away. A doctor gives a not-so-welcome prognosis. Worse, someone we love dies. This shifting happens even in the church. Worship styles change. New staff come and go. Different kinds of people start showing up. We are asked to share the role we once thought was uniquely ours.

For me, as a creative person, I usually greet change with excitement, enthusiasm. But recently, as some of you know, I experienced a change in my life that rocked me more than I care to admit. The little 5½ pound dog that shared life with Deb and me for 15 years, needed to be put down. And “Sammie” was no ordinary dog (I know we all say that). She was like a furry angel God placed in our life for the very reason of providing stability and unconditional love through the many changes we would navigate
during her lifetime. Her death has left a bigger hole in my heart than I imagined was possible from a non-human. She still shows up in my dreams. Our house feels different. It’s a noticeable shift, and one which will never return to the way it was.

As a person living in an increasingly unstable and changing world, I am beginning to weary of it a bit, seeing more and more of change as not so much for the better, but just because we can change. Technology is shrinking our world and enabling us to get places faster, do things cheaper, and do whatever we can dream. In fact, human kind appears to be growing more and more restless. So I find myself simultaneously excited and uneasy. Stimulated, but suspicious. Eager, and yet a bit dreadful.

Where do we turn, when, as the ancient hymn writer once wrote, “every earthly prop gives way?” Lately, I’ve been finding comfort in Psalm 34, penned by another artistic type, King David himself.

“I will extol the Lord at ALL times. His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord: let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces
are never covered with shame.”

From these five little verses, my 3½ lbs of brain conclude: I need a song, I need a community, I need faith. Or better said, WE need a song. WE need community. WE need faith. If I am to be delivered from all my fears, I need to keep singing, keep joining myself with others, keep trusting the One who is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. And so do you.

Dear ones, God consistently uses you to do just that in my life through your song, your friendship, your faith. In worship ministry, it is the nature of the beast, or better said, the nature of the best. As we anticipate new arrivals next week to prepare for Easter, remember that some will risk change in their routine for a greater good, a bigger glimpse of God, and a better sense of where they belong. They, too, need a song, a community, and faith. Let’s be joined with them joyfully, and exalt His name together.

-tad