In the middle – where to focus in the midst of change

When we feel unsettled in the middle of a journey, where can we focus as we navigate change? Find the one thing that hasn’t changed.

In the middle

We’re somewhere in the middle of this journey. It’s been long enough that we can’t quite remember how it used to be, or at least we don’t long for it as deeply. We are in the process of adapting, whether we realize it or not. Focusing on where we are and not where we’ve been is a bit of a survival skill.

Changing

Our patterns and habits are changing, affected by our current circumstances. We are changing. How we look at things is changing.

What’s missing?

In talking to a friend recently, I shared this analogy. It’s like we’ve gone camping and left half of the food at home. For the first few days we lament all the items we’re missing. Think of all the meals we could have made or snacks we could have eaten. Our focus is on what’s missing, what’s been left out.

Adapt

A few days into our trip we start to adjust, mostly out of necessity. We rummage through what we did bring with us. Maybe we create new combinations or simply make do with what we have available.  As we alter and modify our routine we start to settle into our existing environment or situation. We adapt.

Unsettled

We’re no longer fully focused on what’s behind us, but because we’re in the middle somewhere, we’re still a bit unsettled.

So now our picture starts to look like a big body of water between two shorelines. We can no longer see the shore we left, but we’re in the middle of the water somewhere, and can’t clearly see the shoreline in front of us. How do we navigate this part of the journey?

Changed

In my own life so much has changed. For one, I’m a worship leader and church isn’t meeting in the building. I still feel called to help lead people closer to Jesus, but instead of standing in front of a congregation in a church, I’m sharing music and words online.

Connect with Jesus

In this time of change, the one thing that hasn’t changed is taking time to connect with Jesus. In some ways it’s different from what it was before, but in other ways it’s the same.

Each morning before breakfast I try to sit down with a journal. I write down what’s on my mind, then open my mind and heart to what Jesus wants to speak into my life. Some days this time is focused and quiet. Other days it’s scattered.

At this point I’m not settled, but comfortable. I’ve adapted.

Constant and unchanging

And in this unsteady, ever-changing time, I stay focused on the One who is constant and unchanging.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NLT

Looking for ways to connect with Jesus? Maybe this post will help:

How to connect to the source of hope and peace

Want a refresher on how to hear from God?

How to hear from God – where to look