Change

"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts."

I found that quote, attributed to Arnold Bennett, on BrainyQuote.com. Between my mom's unexpected cancer diagnosis, becoming my grandmother's primary caregiver after moving her from her home into a memory care unit close to me, as well as some major changes in some other important areas of my life, I've been undergoing a lot of change. I just wrote over on 5 Minutes for Books about how all of this even changed my reading habits.

I can bring some more depth to those words. I think that even a change for the worse, with the inevitable drawbacks and discomforts, results in some change for the better.

Romans 5:3-4: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,  because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope.

It's true.

I've suffered this last month, and it's probably not likely to end. But it doesn't feel like it's all bad. I want to control the outcome of everything, but I can't. All I can do is take it as it comes and yes, try to make the best of it -- or perhaps let it make the best of me.

(This might be one of the cheesiest music videos ever (aren't they all?), but the sentiment fits. I went through some stuff back in 2002 when the song first came out, and I got it then too, but sometimes we need a reminder. I'm hoping this time the positive changes stick.)