coping with change

All of us face times in life when something in which we had invested comes to an end. It could be financial, vocational or relational. Whether the door slams shut suddenly or even closes gradually, what do we do next?

I spoke to a research scientist yesterday who was recently made redundant after his project funding stopped. In another conversation, a contact in vocational ministry told me how a longstanding annual event of which he was on the leadership team has been cancelled.

I can relate to both, having taken a hit in business just over four years ago when the credit crunch bit sharply. I regrouped very quickly and didn’t let the experience get me down. But I did need to open some new doors, or walk further beyond those already open.

Here are some of the doors that have helped me in recent years (and may prompt you in finding yours):

Door of community

Both of the above conversations took place in a church community where support and encouragement can be found in times of change. When you suddenly find yourself outside your familiar workplace or project ‘circle,’ life can be harder if you don’t have a core community on which you can depend.

Door of creativity

While I’m deeply committed to my business interests, I don’t invest every ounce of my identity in them. So my sense of worth does not fluctuate with the highs and lows of business performance. Which doors can you open to balance out the over-emphasis we can all place on validation by work? One big passion for me is writing and playing songs. You also have a creative capacity which is ripe for exploring.

Door of technology

Many businesses and ministries are adapting well to the opportunities offered by online media. And some high profile retailers have recently paid the price for adapting too slowly to competition from e-tailing. How can you turn the handle on the door of technology to your advantage? My wife and I met an old friend yesterday who was looking for a new church and had been attracted in after the church website showed up on google.

On an individual level: how could the combination of face-to-face contact and an online presence – or up-skilling in technology – help you reach your full potential for touching people’s lives?

The door

The above are just some of the doors we can walk through during times of change. But there is one door that, when we walk in close relationship with him, will guide us through all the right doors for us. Jesus said:

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

He meant more than eternal salvation here. Pasture is also God’s kingdom reality of peace, provision, protection and guidance to which we can turn in the here and now. No matter the ins and outs of life.

Which doors do you need to open – or venture further beyond – this week? Are there any doors you need to close?