Change is a part of life. When we plan for change to occur, there are adjustments that come as we transition between what has been and what will be. Even when we plan for change, adjustments are sometimes difficult.

For me, however, the transitions that are most difficult are those that must come between what has been as what IS?

Those times when we have NOT planned for change to occur, but it has come anyway. You know what I mean? The loss of a spouse, a child, a friend, health issues that limit you or someone you love, loss of income, etc.

Four years ago, my husband, Lee, experienced a change like that. Actually, the change has affected us all.

Him, me, his family, his churches, and his friends. He experienced a stroke which has forever changed our lives.

Some of the things he loved the most about his work and enjoyed best in his life: preaching, teaching, playing the banjo, are gone, probably until eternity; and, it has been a tremendously difficult transition.

We did not choose this change, we did not want this change, but it came and it is. It is the new normal, and the transition has not been an easy one.

I love the texts in Hebrews 12:12-13 which say “lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

I envision a person overcome by some struggle, needing to be enabled to handle life again.

Four years ago, I discovered for myself just how difficult it sometimes is in the awful times to remember that God is able to provide what is needed in order that our hands, our feet, our hearts, our minds, may once again be strong, vital, and able to handle whatever the new normal is when change has been thrust upon us.

I’ve come to realize that our healing most times is wholeness in the midst of limitation.

I am grateful for several good Christian friends who came to us during the early days of our change and reminded us of that.

I hope that this article may in some way be an avenue where you can be reminded of that today.

The fact is, God is with us, especially during the difficult times.

Jesus referred to His desire to provide, protect, and care for us as being like a hen gathering her chickens under her wings.