“Noted” posts are brief thoughts and truths worth keeping close. It’s a placeholder for those things we sometimes forget, if not for grace, quiet, and a little note to remind us. Enjoy the audio version or read the post—both are available for this note on handling change.
The Audio Version
The Post
The Santa Rosa Beach area has become a little home away from home for my family. It’s a spring break tradition that’s usually filled with good food, some fun activities, and lots of beach time.
I love the beach and would happily sit and listen to the waves all day. It’s time well spent delighting in God’s wonderful creation.
Each year is a bit different—where we stay, what we do, the weather—but the changes are fine and we quickly adjust.
I wish all change worked that way.
I’m no stranger to change, and I’ll admit, I don’t always handle it well. For most of my early adult life, things were pretty predictable. Even the ebbs and flows of life felt “normal.”
Then, some unexpected things started happening. The sudden passing of my dad and later, my sister. Work pivots. Business pivots. Home life pivots. The list, while not long, has grown. And, with many life lessons still unfolding, it has been quite the test to “handle it well” at times. Those anxious, worrisome feelings would creep in, and I can find myself in a constant loop of “what if” scenarios.
While sitting on the beach and watching the waves during another lovely spring break, I took advantage of the free time. I reflected on life and how I’ve been navigating change (particularly, the unexpected and not-so-friendly ones).
By the end of the day, I walked away with a good lesson and a reminder that has since helped me handle change and the varying seasons of life better.
Here’s what the sea taught me.
Handling Change: A Lesson By The Shore
I can get laser-focused watching the waves, calling attention to the next one as it approaches. Bigger. Higher. Breaking early or late. But as I switched my gaze to the water moving up to the shore, a thought came to my mind.
Waves come crashing in, but then they soften into this nice spread of soft fizz, as I like to call it. It’s like a slow, necessary exhale, a breather. Then, that ‘soft fizz’ retreats at a faster pace, as if better prepared and ready to join the next wave.
(If you can’t picture this in your mind right now, I bet you’ll notice it the next time you’re at the beach. Just remember to look for the soft fizz.)
Life takes on a similar flow. A wave of change followed by moments of stillness, an exhale. That stillness offers us time to reflect on lessons learned and express gratitude. It uplifts and gives us a chance to fill our cups to the brim again. Then, we’re able to welcome that next wave of change, knowing that we’re stronger and better prepared for it.
The Lesson: Don’t waste those precious moments in between.
Handling Change: A Reminder Beyond The Shoreline
Looking well beyond the shoreline, I started paying more attention to the water’s motion. Endless tiny ripples gliding along, not worried about what wind may blow, cause friction and create waves. Unbothered—just a sea of calm.
I want to remember those tiny ripples when it comes to change and all seasons of life.
Instead of resisting change or trying to anticipate what’s coming next, remember to remain calm. Because let’s face it, change is inevitable (and necessary). However, by staying present and being aware of God’s peace that flows continuously, we’ll be ready to weather whatever comes our way.
The Reminder: Remain calm. Settle into God’s peace that’s always present.
Noted.
