I think it is so powerful that each fellows class gets to experience a season of change in their lives right as Fall begins. We get to change and adapt to our new environment in Raleigh right along side the leaves as they change from bright green, to a soft golden brown.
For most of my life I was scared of change. I was afraid that change was going to be hard, that it was going to disrupt the very foundations of my life, and that I would somehow end up losing control. Even as a little kid I would resist even the smallest change because it felt uncomfortable to me.
Flash forward to today and I am now three weeks into a program that has become the biggest change in my life. Just a few weeks ago I packed up my little Rav 4 and made the 4 hour drive from Charleston, SC to the great city of Raleigh, NC. Once I got here I got the opportunity to meet my amazing “fellow mates” and amazing director. Yet, even though the people are fantastic there was still this underlying discomfort with all of this change. I mean, I am now living in another families house, with two kids ages 9 and 6, who are filled to the top with joy at ALL hours of the day. Not to mention living in a brand new city, trying to balance the relationships I have versus the relationships I continue to create every single day. Change can be hard.
But if you know me, you know that Fall is my favorite season, and not just because football is back (Go Blue Devils baby). It’s my favorite season because of the leaves and the beauty that happens when they change colors. It helps remind me that change is so freaking beautiful. And yeah, change is hard. It can be tough, uncomfortable, and make you feel anxious from time to time. But it is also so good too.
Look at the gospel. Once we put our faith in Christ we are called to be born again through his love. We are called to leave the sin and the brokenness of the world behind and start living a life that is far more wonderful and beautiful. That does not just happen with the flip of a switch. It takes time, it takes shedding old habits and creating new ones. It takes change.
Last Friday our fellows class took a trip to Wilmington to hang out at the beach. It was a fun, spontaneous trip, filled with laughter, love and joy. On the car ride there, Kayley (my bestie girl from Chuck Town) asked me the question what my favorite color is. I said that it was that soft, golden brown of the leaves once the seasons change from summer to fall. Why? Because that change reminds me of the life Jesus has called us too and that no matter what happens in our lives, he is the one that is always present and protecting.
Christ wants to disrupt our lives. Let’s let him.
Luke Harvin