There is a hymn called “Through all the changing scenes of life” which most of us would have heard many times in your life. The first verse goes like this,
Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble and in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.
This hymn always reminds me in life change is inevitable. Change is something most people don’t like. But I am one person who actually like change. I know that when we think of change it is a very difficult process. We are fearful as we don’t know what life is going to be like if we adapt a change. For example, when we change jobs, we have this trepidation that we are entering into a very new zone leaving our comfort zone and are scared of what is in store for us. Certain times change happens without us planning. For example, we may hear that we have some health issues and we need to do some change in our habits, like change our eating habits, exercising etc.
In 2005 when I was 29 years old, I left my homeland Chennai, India to come to UK to do my Masters. It was a huge change in my life as I was employed in an airline and doing well. But I wanted to make a change in my life, which my parents supported and helped me with. However, when I first told my friends and family that I was going to UK to study, they thought I was mad, Most of my friends thought I was stupid to make such a rash decision and change my entire life. Also, they said I must be an idiot to leave my job in the airlines and go back to studying. But I wanted to do it as I thought I needed a change and I felt that was the correct time. I remember when I wanted to move to UK, some of our extended family members even told my parents off, saying they are encouraging me to go to UK when I was 29 years and not married yet and to be honest should be stopping me from going to UK. In India it is very common and a tradition that a girl when she turns 18 or in certain cases 21 the parents start looking for a prospective bridegroom and get her married. But here I was a spinster at the age of 29 years which was something unheard of. Even amongst all the ill talk, negativity, jealousy and discouragement from all the extended family members, my parents stood and supported me and sent me abroad to study which I will never forget. I was very lucky as many Indian girls don’t get such opportunities. This is something I am always very grateful and thankful to my parents for.
Well coming back to change, it is something we need to be bold and step forward and try. Yes, in life some changes may be painful, some sad, some bad, but others maybe very good. In my case the change that I took in my life was an absolutely blessing as I met my husband Julian, settled in Wales and now I am proud to say that I am the first Indian who was ordained into the church and absolutely enjoy my ministry in and outside the church.
Change is something we need to learn to live with. When I left India, I didn’t know that I will be leaving my home for ever and settling in a new country where the culture and tradition was different to my upbringing. But I have learnt it now after being here for more than 17 years and with the help of my very helpful husband that now I feel more Welsh as I am part of the community.
Similarly, in the Bible in Genesis 12, we hear how God tells Abraham to leave his country and go live in a foreign land that he didn't know. But he did with no questions asked and look where it led him. He is now revered as the Abraham the father of all those who have faith, as Paul says in Gal. 3:7: “Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.” I consider it a true blessing to be remembered in such a way.
Change is inevitable and is part of living your life. As I mentioned earlier in this topic some changes are good, some are bad as they leave us with a knock-on effect. The one thing through all these changes to remember is that God never changes, and he is there with us every step of the way. So, we need to put all our trust in him and have faith and carry on.
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