WINDS OF CHANGE
It was the perfect Sunday afternoon, the weather beginning to cool nicely. The yoke of humidity gave way as the sun surrendered to the turn of the earth. The tardy wind finally arrived showing its invisible force that I’d hoped would have shown up hours earlier.
How I cherished the reprieve from the onslaught of the never ending summer. The cooler breezes grew bolder without the supervision of the sun, it blew gusts that turned the darkening night from relief to dread. I’ve been haunted by wind… Winds of change can be full of deceit, it can also bring remorse of seasons past.
I ponder the dreams spun by the winds of change that I bent to blow the direction of my heart and accented by the tired drapes playing a background cantata while I fell for the deceptive web spun by the false winds… They were appealing to the hope I had for mankind based solely upon the power I possessed and my happily ever after.
Not all change is good… Handcrafted fabric that makes up new drapes can be stunning, but the smart decorating doesn’t change the window of the view. Switching locations blown by the winds of change can alter the view, the size of the window, along with the amenities, but that doesn’t change the person behind the eyes that swim in the trust and luxury of the finer things in life.
We even work to make our soul cages and the things we dress it up in match the expectations of our society. Designer shoes, belts to match, maybe a pair of jeans with just the right name on the tag. The right hairstyle, jewelry and, of course, the vehicle that keep the Jones’ on their toes.
Like the homes of the stars, it doesn’t matter how spectacular they look on the outside. The perfect architecture and manicured grounds with exquisite curb appeal fail to reveal anything past the window coverings. We can move from the wrong side of the tracks to the mansion on the hill, but what we possess has no indication of who we are behind the drapes.
If the powerful winds of change don’t start on the inside and we buy into the lies of this fallen world, it won’t matter what size windows we have or how fancy the drapes are that flank them. The dread of seasons past reminds us of the wisdom gained along the way.
Dread turns to joy in the midst of life’s storms when we remember the most precious of gifts in this life. The items of intrinsic value can’t be measured by numbers and while drapes flapping in the wind can remind us of dreaded seasons and years eaten by the locust, it can also remind us of the sweet taste and fulfillment of redemption brought by the winds of change as directed by the Hands that are the origin of our souls and the wind.
It’s the season to throw open the windows and let the brisk wind blow through to remind us that our Father uses the winds of change for His glory and our benefit when we’re not hiding behind the drapes of this life in hopes of concealing what can’t be hidden from Him to begin with.
Pam
Sunday, November 17, 2013 @ 8:31 am
You craft words like a fine wood-carver crafts an intricate likeness of a chickadee. I can “see” every detail you describe. Excellent post, Floyd.
Floyd
Sunday, November 17, 2013 @ 11:59 am
Thanks, Pam. The winds blowing that day spoke to me like words riding on the air from Above.
Lynn Morrissey
Sunday, November 17, 2013 @ 6:39 pm
Amazingly, the first thing our interim pastor asked this morning was, “Who likes change?” We’ve lost our senior pastor and a number of others, so this has not been an easy time. I know he expected no one to answer yes, but I shot up my hand. Mike was shocked. Actually, I hate changed, but I also realize that sometimes it can be good. So by a show of my hand, I am trying to cooperate with the wind of change that God is blowing through our church. I love how you tie it in with the brisk weather we are experiencing. Sometime wind can be so refreshing. I’m so tired of summer days in autumn. I long for crisper climes. I guess the keys are: to know that change is inevitable, because without change, we’re dead; to know that God is sovereign, and ultimately orchestrates change; to not dread change, realizing it can mean growth and that He works it all together for our good. You always make me think, Floyd. and that is a change that I need!
Fondly
Lynn
NTTP!
Floyd
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 12:36 pm
Your summary is spot on, Lynn. It’s not comfortable, but even the best things rarely are in the beginning. I appreciate your thoughts, always seems to help me clarify mine! Thanks, Lynn.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, November 17, 2013 @ 7:40 pm
Excellent post Floyd to remind us we can dress up our soul cage, but inside is what really counts. So glad that Jesus lives inside my cage with me. I like what you said; “Hand crafted fabric that makes up new drapes can be stunning, but the smart decorating doesn’t change the window of the view.” This may show up again at “tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 12:38 pm
We tend to worry about the things that matter not to our Father… the flesh really messes us up. Thanks for keeping the widow of your soul spot free by relying on His hand! Thanks, Hazel.
Mia
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 8:04 am
Dear Floyd
If change doesn’t starts with the inside,we are all totally lost, dear brother. We soon learn that there is nothing we can do about that inside which is nothing more than slaves to the evil one in whom the whole world lies. And I have found that our Pappa doesn’t change us, He gives us LIFE . Then He starts to change our minds, our thoughts, emotions and the whole caboodle starts to fall in place. No matter how we dress ourselves in the most beautiful and impressive religious garb, we still are without Life and separated from Pappa with hearts so deceitful, we cannot even begin to imagine how much, totally captured by all the lies by the father of all lies. Great, insightful post, Floyd.
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 12:40 pm
Amen, Mia. “The whole caboodle,” haven’t heard that in a while, but that’s my kind of language, sister! It really is, without our Father leading us to change the change is going to be ugly, with Him, beautiful. Excellent words and reminder. Thanks, Mia.
Lisa notes
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 10:54 am
“Not all change is good… Hand crafted fabric that makes up new drapes can be stunning, but the smart decorating doesn’t change the window of the view.”
Great insight, Floyd. Changes can be just as likely to be bad as good, if we’re not being changed from the inside out. Letting God lead the changes is the only way to get a better view. Thanks for this!
Floyd
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 12:43 pm
“Letting God lead the changes is the only way to get a better view.” I like your “view” on this, Lisa. (pun intended…) Change is inevitable, if it’s not directed by our Father it’s gonna be nasty. Even us slow learners pick it up after while… Thanks, Lisa.
Caleb Suko
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 11:19 am
These are powerfully true words floyd, “but what we possess has no indication of who we are behind the drapes.” I learned that in my painting business after being in literally hundreds of homes. I found out that the inside can be drastically different. More important the owner is not always as nice as his home looks!
Floyd
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
I’m with you there, Caleb. Judging anybody on what they look like is bound to lead to some less than wise assumptions. You’d think we’d learn that by now! We tend to still judge people by the way things look… which is almost always wrong… Thanks, Caleb.
Ngina Otiende
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 2:53 pm
Great words Floyd, a line in that last paragraph (It’s the season to throw open the windows and let the brisk wind blow through) gave me a chuckle; reminded me how my husband likes to throw open all the windows of our apartment(in what i consider to be) frozen weather. i love warmth and privacy but he values light and crisp fresh air! 🙂
Not all change is good, i like that. we cannot patch up the outside and hope that will get us where we need to be. I am still growing, still desiring to get better in my journey of truth and honesty with my Father..nothing brings this to light more than an extended season of transition..where i find myself today 🙂
Good words, thank you for sharing.
Floyd
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 5:00 pm
I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with the transition. I respect the fact that you’re not hiding from it or pretending it doesn’t exist. Taking it head on is an honor to our Father and an action that will bring joy sooner or later. I’m literally praying that it’s sooner for you and your husband. Thanks, Ngina.
Kristin
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 5:39 pm
THIS. . .was. beautifully. written!
Floyd
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 4:03 pm
Thanks, Kristin.
tcavey
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 5:55 pm
Wonderfully crafted post!
Amen, to the winds of change. I’m tired of hiding in the drapes, time to open the window and see what God has in store.
Floyd
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 4:03 pm
Thanks, TC. I’m with you, let the Light shine in!
Rachael
Monday, November 18, 2013 @ 7:05 pm
Exposure and vulnerability come to mind with change. We either hide behind the drapes or open the windows of our “stinkin'” hearts and let the breathe of the spirit cleanse. Good word, Floyd!
Floyd
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 4:05 pm
“Open the windows of our “stinkn'” hearts.” That’s just my speed! It is His breath upon our souls that cleans us perfectly and allows us into His presence. Good word to you as well, Rachael. Thanks.
Jillie
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 5:52 am
Hello there, Floyd, after what has been a long time. I’m still out here. Just been taking a break from so much reading lately.
My first thought is that I hate “the winds of change”–the only “change” I really like is the kind that jingles together in my wallet. 🙂
Your post also makes me think of the definite winds of change that swept through your mid-western states on Sunday, forever changing the landscape of so many towns in its destructive path. I look at the devastation and wonder, “How? can any of that be good??!?” How can being left without shelter, home, food, water, clothing, be any good to anyone? I guess, sometimes, we’re just left to wonder why God would allow such pain in the lives of people? I know that sometimes it turns people’s hearts to what is truly important in life, but I wonder, as well, how many hearts become more hardened in times like this?
Apart from all those thoughts, I must say your words are written well here, my friend.
Floyd
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
I appreciate your humor when I know you’re feeling less than humorous, Jillie. None of us have the answers, but I know we’re bound to get some before long. A heavy heart in times of trials for others is a sign our Father is at least at work in your heart. I’m praying for the effects people and for you and yours, Jillie. It’s always an honor to hear from you and get your take on things. Thanks and blessings to you, Jillie.
Barb Raveling
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 5:02 pm
I absolutely love the last two paragraphs of your post, Floyd. Beautiful, poetic, and full of truth and inspiration – they should be on a poster! Or in a song at the end of a movie with majestic music playing. Love the message!
Floyd
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 @ 5:27 pm
Words that seek to capture the majesty of our Father are the ones that inspire the best in us. Thank you, Barb.
Bernard
Wednesday, November 20, 2013 @ 12:38 pm
Floyd, you are the chief architect of words. I loved this post. God has blown the wind of change in my life. I am going to let go of what I am holding onto and ride on the wings of His directions. Thanks.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 20, 2013 @ 5:58 pm
We never soar higher than we’re on His wings, brother! That is an awesome word picture! I know you’re not hiding from anything, Bernard. Thanks.
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, November 20, 2013 @ 7:19 pm
No matter what the wind is doing and the clouds are doing and the crowds are doing, all we can count on is the King of the World and of Eternity. When the shifting occurs, over and over again, as in our present world, all we can count on is Him, forever and ever. It’s an every-day thing for me. Constantly on site, on sight.
Thanks for sharing, Floyd. As usual, catching inner-heart attention.
Floyd
Thursday, November 21, 2013 @ 10:09 am
“On site, on sight.” That is a wonderful phrase to describe how we should be on watch for Him. Thanks for listening and searching your heart, it helps all of gain focus. Blessings to you and yours, Joanne.