There was a delightful story in The Los Angeles Times last week about David Witthoft, a young boy in Ridgefield, Conn., who is a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. A throwback to times past, David’s football hero is Brett Favre, recently retired quarterback and likely Hall of Famer.
During Christmas 2003, 8-year-old David was presented with a replica of Favre’s football jersey. He has worn it for 1,581 consecutive days—let’s hope his mom washed it occasionally. On April 23, his 12th birthday, David finally gave it up. Besides becoming more aware of fashion on the verge of his teenage years, the jersey now only covers the top of his belt buckle because of his growth in height!
Change is interesting, even in a fluid culture. In my father’s generation, a person worked for one company over the course of his or her career but might change locations within the same company. In my generation, a person might work for the same company over his or her career, but are more likely to change positions within the same company. In my son’s generation, a person is likely to change not only locations and companies, but is also likely to change careers multiple times.
Someone once said that healthy leaders like change. Someone else observed that leaders only really like the changes they initiate. I think that healthy leaders find a way to navigate change with integrity, grace, openness, transparency, discernment, trust and hope. It doesn’t mean that all change is good or right. The Lord has not opened every open door; and the Lord has not necessarily shut every closed door.
Solomon said it best, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). We should not be afraid of change, but neither should we assume that the Lord has prompted all change. On the other hand, if your clothes are getting tight or showing some wear, and people are keeping their distance because you’ve worn the same shirt for four years running, you might want to assume it’s the right time for change!
“Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.” -Proverbs 18:15 (NLT)
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
