All Change

On our recent visit to America we were privileged to spend some time in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and had a chance to see first hand some Amish farms and learn more about the Amish lifestyle. I must say this has always fascinated me; how a group could maintain their traditions over hundreds of years, living in the 21st century where the rate of change is now at fever pitch.

Outside an Amish farm in Lancaster

While watching a film on "Who are the Amish?" I made the discovery that one of tenets of the Amish is that they oppose change. This actually explains alot about their way of life. Although in many ways I deeply admire the Amish for their pursuit of a godly, simple life I cannot see how we can grow if we are not willing to change. Not all change is good or necessary, but if we resist change because we don't want to risk having our cosy life or traditions upset, we are in danger of life walking right past us.

In many ways I am uncomfortable about our upcoming move, but I won't be able to experience all the good that will come of this unless I take the first step of moving out into the unknown, getting out of my comfort zone, to where things are unfamiliar, where I will feel awkward and strange, and where I won't always be in control.

Change starts in our mind. "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think" - this is a more modern rendering of "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Roms.12:2). During change things get stirred up and some nasty attitudes that we thought we had well hidden start to surface and need dealing with. So I guess this is my God-given time to deal with some things and hold on to what is really important and lasting.