Change is a process

A little over a year ago I  had open heart surgery to replace  a “badly stenosed” aortic valve. 

In  the past three weeks,  I have been  reflecting on "how has this changed me?". (or has it changed me in any significant way?).

So far the  conversation has been pretty erratic.

I started with the question(s)

1. Has this  "near death" experience has  resulted in any significant and permanent change in my life. 
2. Why or why not?
3.  How does this relate to the changes we might see in the lifes of those who - through faith -  are seeking to have their lives transformed by the Spirit (cf. Rom. 12:2)   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind

So far I really haven’t addressed those questions.

Instead I’ve stated that this  “life event” has  renewed my  a desire to  live by 3 key principles

1. I will live today in the moment.
2.  I will live today as if it were my last day here on this earth  and
3.  I will dream and plan today for tomorrow because  

(“Today is the first day of the rest of my life; I will rejoice and be glad in it”   (cf. Psalm 118:24-KJV).)

I’ve  talked about  the types of change (mostly negative) that “people” often experience post surgery

I’ve  referred to a U-Tube video  by Scott Hamilton describing how  health problems have  brought him to a deep(er) faith and trust in God.

I’ve reflected  on a  statement by a friend of mine to ask the question

“Do we   need to wait for a major event to cause changes that make our lives better change to fully live" or  does  Christ give us the ability to change to live fully in whatever circumstances exist in our life?

I have asked “Have I changed?”  (and concluded that  there hadn’t been much)

And last time I reflected on the “Serenity Prayer” and Change.

I have done this  “review”  for my own benefit – as a way of trying to  put  some structure and purpose into this meandering “stream”

As a colleague at work used to say to me when I  rambling on  pursuing a bunch of ideas  "all at once"   “Charlie – is there a caboose to this train?” 

(In fact I guess I’m asking is there even a train?”   I hope so – we’ll see.)

One thing that I was reminded of is the saying "Change is a process not an event" -- and so perhaps the "train"  (change) needs some "tracks" (process) before it can be  put together in a meaningful way

God Bless

Charlie