Change.
It’s mid-fall, it’s inevitable right? This morning in Metro Atlanta the temps dipped into the mid-thirties and we had our first glimpse of winter.
While letting go of summer is not a problem for me, saying goodbye to autumn is a different story. This morning, coffee in hand and fire flickering in the fireplace, I decided not to go on my walk. Because I’m not ready to bundle up. Not ready to see my breath. Not ready to have my toes go numb. Not ready for change.
I’m that way about life changes too. Fantastically stubborn.
I don’t mind the slow changes. The kinder, gentler changes, like chilly autumn nights and afternoon skies that shine pristine blue hinting of things to come. Those changes I welcome.
But the changes that sweep in and threaten my serenity, well those trigger a baton down the hatches mentality in me.
That kind of change has blown through our family recently.
And it’s made me want to fold up tight emotionally.
That’s what I was thinking about this morning when I went to get dressed and felt Ollie-the-pups eyes boring into me.
I don’t care if it’s cold, he seemed to say. Let’s walk anyway. Please.
I’m a sucker for my pups.
Bundled up, me in my scarf and him in his sissy sweater, we left the warmth of the house. Taking a deep breath of cold fresh air for the first time since last February, felt …cleansing. Still unconvinced I wanted to be outside I decided to rain on Ollie’s parade:
It’s not so bad, but we aren’t going far Oliver.
Nose to the ground and tail wagging, he trotted on, oblivious to my sour mood.
We passed house after house, with every step I considered turning around…but for some reason, I kept going. The world looked a little different this morning. Delicate frost tipped blades of grass glistened in first sunlight. Red and yellow leaves lay scattered on the curb like Someone put them there on purpose. Yes. My world had changed a bit over night, but it turns out there’s beauty here too.
Change is inevitable and walking into it with an open heart is sometimes the only way to see the beauty.
Happy Sunday my friends
xo
Lisa Gower Montgomery says
November 3, 2013 at 8:04 amMy thoughts and prayers are with you. Change is very hard at times. As one of your followers, I look to you for wisdom, inspiration, and motivation. It is very rare that those of us that follow you have the chance to lift you up. So I’d like to say “.Hang in there.” We love you just as much when you are human like us and bring us a post that is thoughtful and deep instead of peppy and creative! By the way, this post WAS inspirational as well. We should all stop and smell the roses when they are in full bloom because there will come a time that the beautiful scented petals will fade, lose there scent and crumble. Never fear, God always provides more roses! It just takes a while for the bud to mature into the beautiful rose again! Love, Lisa
Robin says
November 3, 2013 at 9:21 amLisa, what an encourager you are my sweet friend. Thank you a thousand times over xo
Lisa Gower Montgomery says
November 3, 2013 at 9:47 amYou are welcome Robin. If all else fails, being around our precious little grandchildren can always make us smile! Hang on and prayers are coming your way! Lisa
Amber at the French Pressed home says
November 3, 2013 at 8:43 amGood morning! Change sometimes is not what we want but, (especially) in the last several years, I have learned to accept it because something good will come out on the other side. We often don’t see it (that was huge problem for me) until we reflect back later on and realize that if that life lesson didn’t happen, you would be in a different place. Hang in there. I’ll include you in my prayers today and honestly, I think Ollie knew you needed that walk. xo
Robin says
November 3, 2013 at 9:20 amAmber, isn’t it true that holding on to the belief that something good will come is the best way to accept change? Wonderful and I think you’re right … Ollie knew! xo
Cindy D says
November 3, 2013 at 10:09 amYour post was vey touching.. so sorry that you are going through difficult changes. It the unexpected ones that are the hardest. Sending hugs and prayers
Julie Garmon says
November 3, 2013 at 11:37 amLoved every word of this. Because I’m the same way.
Love you.
Sally says
November 3, 2013 at 4:40 pmI agree. Change is hard. Thinking of you and your family at this time & lifting you up in prayer!
Melanie says
November 3, 2013 at 5:45 pmI find that a walk outdoors changes my mood and outlook on things, too – even when we don’t feel like walking in the first place! Your sweet pup knew what you needed. 🙂
Noreen says
November 3, 2013 at 5:52 pmHi Robin, I love this post-I have found as I get older, I don’t like change either. We are looking for a new home and I find it difficult to think about moving. I love your Oliver-want to ask about his harness, is it the type of high neck collar that Caesar Milan uses? I have a halter for Hunter but it doesn’t stop him from pulling, even though he is only 12 lbs I don’t like him doing it. Can you tell me about Oliver’s and why you have it. Thx. I love the way you embraced the morning time with him; pups can bring peace to our lives.
Sending big hugs your way.
Noreen
Eileen says
November 4, 2013 at 11:09 amSometime thrive with change. To them, it is an adventure. Not me! I too just want to curl up in my own little world and not think about the inevitable, which is change. Change is a big part of life and no matter how much older I get, I still have a hard time dealing with it. I too, just had some “change” in our family and I wish I could just make it better for them somehow. I don’t like what they are having to go through. But, your post has made me realize that if I am patient and lean not unto my own understanding, there will be beauty to see, if I just open my heart. Thank you, dear friend.
By the way, because I am a plaid lover, I just adore Ollie’s sweater!
Love and hugs,
Eileen
Robin says
November 4, 2013 at 1:00 pmEileen, you are I are so much alike…it’s especially hard to watch someone you love going through difficult changes isn’t it? sending love my friend xo