Never Not Be Afraid

by Michele Boy | February 29, 2024

Here we are at the end of February. What are you going with your bonus day? 
The weather in western Kansas has been wild. 78, 17, 65, and blowing, then snow. 
When I spent a couple of years traveling the country, I enjoyed the different climates. Eventually I tired of Arizona’s generally stable weather. I missed the four seasons. As uncomfortable as -45 degrees can be, I choose it because I don’t like one temperature all the time. Glad I moved to Kansas where I can experience all of them in a single week. lol. 
One more week of school and then spring break.
There are a lot of changes going on in our little town. The building I rent for the newspaper got new windows replacing the old school glass blocks.
I have to admit I didn't like the idea. No, they weren't energy efficient. No, they were not the best for cleaning. And no for a hundred other reasons. But I liked them regardless. It added character to the building, a vintage feel. 
When the new windows went in, I was floored. They were gorgeous, updated, and the style was timeless. 
Maybe it is my upbringing, growing up on the road that gets me excited for change. 
For teachers leaving, I am happy for them to start their new adventures. For new people moving in, I am also excited. New blood, new opportunities for new perspectives. 
But as quick as I say I am excited, when the change is personal, I am more uncomfortable. Yes, you read correctly. Change for you is good. Change for me is uncomfortable. Hey at least I own it. 
Some changes are good. My daughter finishing elementary school makes me sad. The memories we built there were great. Another chapter of life is slowly closing as she grows and matures. 
These feelings are all brand new. The people in my life came and went. But sticking throughout, building something together is new to me. 
I think that is where faith comes in. If everything stayed the same, it could get stale. Life to me is about experiences. Of course good decisions help that too.
So as the ground is preparing for spring, for new blooms on flowers, for trees to grow leaves, and farmers to plant their fall crops, what changes in your world are you embracing? What changes are you fearful of? Are you taking any risks? 
My daughter was home sick from school on Monday. As I worked at the dining room table, she laid on the couch and watched movies. 
I overheard a line in the movie and I burst out laughing! Nicolas Cage's character Grug in The Croods said, "New is always bad. Never not be afraid!"
We do that, don't we? Not always but we tell our children, don't do that. don't touch that. Don't go near that person. 
Don't get me wrong, look both ways before you cross the street is valuable. And what about when they start driving? Giving them the tools to make good decisions and bad ones is part of our job. 
But controlling them, deciding what is best for them, maybe we don't have all the answers. Maybe we are supposed to let them fly, and let them fail. 
When I heard Grug say New is always bad! it reminided me how controlling we can be sometimes. 
How many times in the bible did God call His people to leave, to flee, or to head in a new direction? He didn't say here is all the information and every detail of what will happen. He just said, "Follow me."
He didn't say we wouldn't make mistakes. He didn't say it would be an easy path. But he did say, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6