Changes

Today I want to discuss two types of changes. These two types of changes are different in their effect, yet at the same time, inseparably linked.

The first type of change is one with which I am certain we are all quite familiar: Changes in our circumstance. In the past few weeks, a couple of major circumstantial changes have taken place in my own personal life, both of which will likely have a profound impact on the remainder of my life.

First, my wife and I learned that we are expecting our first child. I can't think of any happier change that could have come to our lives, and at the same time, I can't think of anything that will have as much impact. Just a few days ago we were able to “see” the baby for the first time through ultrasound. We even saw her little heart beating (yes, we are going to predict it is a girl already).

Second, I learned rather suddenly that I had been selected to begin my dream career within a month. This change will involve us moving from continent to continent, as well as beginning an entirely new chapter in our life.

While these circumstantial changes in my own life are drastic, impacting, and meaningful, they are not unique to myself. All of us face circumstantial changes in our lives. Some such changes are largely based on our own decisions and actions. Others are outside of our hands. Nevertheless, they are something which we all face.

The other type of change is one which is completely up to us: Changes in our character. These character changes can come as a result of circumstantial changes, or they can come simply because we set out to change ourselves. Nevertheless, changes in our character are not always easily obtained, and almost never come suddenly.

The more I study topics related to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the more I have recognized the essential nature of change. Without change, there is little purpose to life in general. In fact, we often use a religious word to describe this principle, though we might not recognize it as such: repentance.

It has been my experience that we human beings have an ongoing love/hate relationship with both changes in our circumstance and changes in our character. On one hand, we welcome positive change, new life developments, etc. We often look to the future, hoping for one day when certain things will be different. Often people even look back, wishing things would change and go back to how things used to be.

On the other hand, we yearn for stability and a feeling of comfort and familiarity. We fall into simple habits and routines with little effort, and desire to cluster with those most similar to ourselves. Some may even wish for change with all of their hearts, but resist it with all of their strength.

I admit that when I first began studying the principles of Mormonism, the one that stood out and appealed to me above all others was this principle of change. Mormon terms such as the “plan of salvation,” “eternal progression,” and “exaltation” are all variations of this process of change.

Now, as I face major changes in my circumstance, I can't help but think about what changes in my character will (or should) follow. What characteristics am I lacking which will help me be a better father? What habits need to be changed in order to make me a better worker?

Change is nothing new to any of us. Even the youngest of us have constantly be confronted with changes in our lives. Some are embraced, while others are avoided. Nevertheless, it is my belief that change is not only inevitable, but it is an essential part of a happy and meaningful existence.

Any thoughts on change?