Change and New Beginnings

Change and New Beginnings

Life seems to be full of changes!  Many of the changes in our lives we plan for, just work out.  It’s so easy during the good times to believe life is so amazing and nothing will happen in our lives to change this.  And thank goodness for the most part it doesn’t.  Planning for things in life is a good thing for sure!

But what do we do in those other times - when things happen which we have absolutely no control of!  Oh how often and easy is it to fall apart!  And that is a part of grief and its ok! God’s promise from the Old Testament reads:  Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Boy that is a hard verse to rely on when we are down and wondering if we will ever be happy again!  Thank goodness for the hope we have in Christ that even when we are in the valley, He will be there to help us climb that mountain.

For those that know me, know that I am a planner and have been most of my life.  One of the good things about my late husband being in the military, was he always had to have his ducks in a row regarding the ‘what ifs’ if something happened to him. When he did pass away, I knew what to expect for me going forward financially. 

It is so important to be prepared for the unplanned.  I have heard so many stories of those that have not had things in order and how devastated they are at the time of a loss. Because of that, I have become an advocate on making sure your ‘ducks’ are in a row. However, there are a few things to think about if you are at the early stage of widowhood.  They are:

•  It is recommended you avoid making major life changes such as selling your home or changing jobs within the first year.
•  If you are still working, consider asking your HR department about taking a leave of absence or reducing your hours for a period of time.
•  Regarding legal matters consider:
• Talk with your attorney about your home, automobile or other property.
• Insurance policies
• Bank accounts
• Dependent issues
•   Set up a meeting with your financial adviser.
• Gather and review all your statements
• Notifying all Institutions
• Tax considerations
•   Check on your Life Insurance Policy
•   Notify Social Security
•  Take care of your health. 
• Make an appointment with your doctor.
• Make an appointment for a massage, pedicure or manicure.

As we begin to heal and accept that we must move forward, we need to decide how or what we are going to do next.  Many times it has been said, that we just need to take the first step.  I would encourage you to become involved with Grief Share (website:  www.griefshare.org.)  Another suggesting would be to find a local widow group in your area.  In the Twin Cities, go to: www.widowmight.org.  In the Chicago area:  www.widowconnection.com. 

My prayer is that you will find peace in your journey.  It certainly does not happen overnight!  One of God’s many promises is the peace he gives us.  John 16:3 (NIV):  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. 

Each new day is a new beginning.  We cannot change yesterday and tomorrow is not promised to us.  However, we can take that first step today!   If you feel you have taken a step backwards, do not beat yourself up.  Just take that first new step!

I have seen this statement many times and I cannot agree with it more.   The quote is by C.S. Lewis and it reads:  “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ― C.S. Lewis

May God bless you as you walk this new journey in your life!  He is faithful to walk with you each step of the way, one day at a time.

Blessings to you!