Change

Change is never a good thing…

And I, right now, am a living example of that little phrase right there. 4 months ago, I uprooted myself from my job, my apartment, my life – to a new place an hour away. “Away” meaning from my family, friends, favorite hangout spots, away from everything. Knowing that I’m an extrovert, I figured it wouldn’t be long until I made new friends, found the man of my dreams, and settled in. Not quite.

Instead, I’m lonely, tend to spend each night alone in my apartment, converting recipes that serve 4 to serve 1 (just so I’m not eating the same foods every meal, for a week), etc. My job right now is less than desirable and I wonder every single minute why I was so crazy to leave everything behind…and for what exactly?

Flashback to 4 years ago – this same girl eagerly dropped everything and left it all behind to spend her spring semester (18 weeks!) to live in a “Royal Borough” of London. She knew no one, had not a clue how to get around, and even though the Brits speak English, it’s certainly not American English. After a lonely month, suddenly she had friends. She knew her way around, including in other countries, and was so happy, the thought of leaving brought tears to her eyes, rather than crying that the departure day on her ticket home was so far away.

What happened to that same girl? In my job, I crave change. I convince professors that the best thing for them (obviously if they’re not using my product) is to change. Their lives will be easier, their students will love them and the new book/media package – the benefits are endless. So what is my problem? I get to spend everyday outside, hot, cold, rainy, snowing, sunny, etc. I can appreciate all around me, especially as I drive through the countryside of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. However, most days I spend crying. I know that God is sending friends my way, who will arrive at just the perfect moment. Nigel will arrive, also at the perfect moment. Even though I know these things, I have a hard time believing them.

Each day brings change and it did even when I was in my comfort zone back in the Big City. If I made it in London, 3000 miles away, I can certainly make it in this new phase of my life. And pretty soon, I’ll be able to preach the good things that come with change!