May 2019 Newsletter
May 2019
Change. Why is it so hard to change? Why do we resist change? What does the process of change look like and how will we know when we have completed the transition of change – from one way of being or doing to another?
It has been said that human beings are ‘creatures of habit,’ and as such, change can – and often does – cause a lot stress as the changes are made a part of our new life and routine. It seems that everything in us seeks the familiar. Scientifically speaking, we form habits as a way of holding onto the familiar – but more, we form habits as a function of our brain. Neurons, or brain cells, communicate with each other at a gap, called the synapse. One neuron releases chemicals – neurotransmitters – into the synaptic space, where it is picked up by the receptors of the next neuron. These interconnected neurons become circuits that underlie and form our habits.
Well, that is probably much more of a neurobiology lesson than any of us needed – but it makes an important point, as we consider change and how it impacts our lives. In truth, even good and positive change is not without its challenges.
Even the blessings of new beginnings – and endings – can overwhelm us if we allow it to, as we struggle with a lack of understanding of what our psyche is dealing with.
At A Future and a Hope Ministries we have been abundantly blessed and challenged by new beginnings. The blessings come in the form of the many who have given so lovingly of their time, talents and treasures to fulfill God’s plan for this ministry.
On April 3, 2019, the movers showed up – two of them – one to move the furniture packed up and stored all over the Windwood campus for the past 3 years. And one arranged by a supporter of the ministry, who had picked up and stored a large amount of furniture that was donated indirectly when a major corporation moved out of their facility and left their furniture behind, free for the taking!
To say that we were excited with this blessing of a new facility, would be an understatement. . . And, after many long days and nights of putting things away and figuring out how and where to get everything set up to be fully operational to see clients again, God gave us the energy and strength and many helpful hands to get it all done!
On the Saturday before Easter, more blessings! Some of the good men of the Man 2 Man Ministry and the “Weed Wackers” who have been helping to keep the undergrowth of the beautiful forest Windwood is located on, trimmed and lovely, came out to begin the much-needed landscaping for the new counseling center grounds!
The care and generosity demonstrated was truly reflective of God’s love for us -- and their efforts have blessed the ministry and all who work and are cared for at the new counseling center facility!
…And by 11:30 AM, a beautiful new lawn!
Change? It is all part of God’s plan and love for us. Another word for it is transformation! We are transformed by His love – a love that also saved us!
Blessings of the changes and newness of this Spring Season!
