Life Changes and so must I

As you well know, life can change in a moment. What seemed stable and firm can crumble before our eyes. Finances can change when a job comes to a sudden end. Health that is unquestionable one day can bring heartache the next. Fires, tornadoes, car accidents can change everything we hold dear in a split second.

Although the above example are quick and unpredictable there are other things that can change life, such as age, adult children moving home, relocating to new area because of job change. These can be more subtle but still impactful. So what do we do when things change whether in a moment or over a process of time?

Don't panic. More than likely you are not the first person to experience this and you will not be the last.
Stay calm. No this is not quit the same as "don't panic". Staying calm involves consciously remaining in control of your emotions.
Think clearly. There may be a lot of details that need to be thought through, and it may be that you are the only one who can make those decisions. It is easy to panic, overreach and turn decision making over to someone else, then blame them for not doing things correctly or the way you would have. It is not right to put someone else in a situation of making decisions unless you completely know and trust them.
Pray and seek God's direction. God doesn't always say "yes". But He does not always so "no" and there are times we must wait patiently on Him because He knows best.
Ask for help. There are things we can't do on our own. There are times when we can't make decisions on our own. When we are in a situation when we cannot make a decision on our own, it is ok to ask for advise. It is also alright not to take any advise that is against what God's Word says is right or you are sure it is not right for you.
Do what needs to be done. Procrastination is never a solution to a problem. Waiting may be an only option but if you know there is something you need to do, do it.
Don't be afraid of change. It is inevitable. Even if we hide in a hole, change will happen. We need to be prepared to change with change. A good saying is "the difference between "better" and "bitter" is "I". When we adjust to change with a good attitude, we will not fall into a pit of self-pity, doubt, and eventually become bitter.

Ready, set, change :)