During our long and lovely holiday (in which I completely abandoned this blog, without guilt), we were fortunate to spend time with a great many family and friends whom we love and cherish.  One of the highlights was a leisurely dinner with friends taking a breather from their full time gig as expats in Australia.  During the course of a very meandering discussion, in which I was only gently ribbed instead of mercilessly teased (friendships required to sustain across continents will do that, I suppose), I first learned of the saying, “she’ll be right, mate.”  This adaptable saying can mean anything from the optimistic “I’ve got it, it’ll all work out!” to an apathetic “Eh, I’ll take care of that…maybe..if I feel like it…”

Learning colloquialisms like this is one of my favorite things about reconnecting with friends from across the globe.  People, their differences and their “normalcies,” simply fascinate me.  As someone who moved with regularity throughout childhood, with a stint overseas in the mix, a broad worldview is important to me.  As someone who is unlikely to move again for years to come, maintaining that worldview is not only important, but vital. I am always pushing to know more. To understand more.  To widen the boundaries of what my children relate to and consider “normal” given that they have lived in essentially the same place their entire lives.   “Different” equals “good” in my world, and anyone who knows me very well, knows this.  But why?

I have a little secret to tell you about this.  I am terrible at change.  There is an inborn tendency in me to curl up into what is comfortable, easy, familiar…and stay there!  I am naturally shy – very shy – and I tend to observe, then process, then act.

Those of you who don’t know me are saying, “And…?” Those of you who do know me are likely shaking your heads and saying “Whatever. That’s so false!” But honestly, it’s true!  And when God began working the tapestry of my life, it is so clear to see how He decided to challenge my complacency.

Moving was by far the biggest challenge to my tendency toward inward living.  When you move, it’s not just a new address and phone number you learn.  It’s a whole way of life.  Sayings in one state are charming, in another state, insulting.  Attitudes that motivate in one country kill morale in another.  All of the moments where we learn by doing – particularly when we mess up! – teach us how different people are, based on where they come from and what they surround themselves with.   If our command is to love each other, we have to know each other.  We have to know what love means to different people, and try to love them in a way that is meaningful to them.

To embrace change, we must be brave.  We must reconcile what we feel and want with what we cannot control.  We have to decide that anything is possible and most things are good – different, but good in their own right.  To be brave isn’t a skill or a gift, really. It’s a decision.  An every-single-day decision.

I may be locked in to where I am geographically for many years to come, but I have decided to continue letting my mind and curiosity wander.  I plan to take my family with me whenever possible.  The more change we experience, and wade through, and successfully navigate, the more accepting of change we become.  And because we will always – I repeat, always – deal with change, there is such value in having confidence in handling it.   I don’t make resolutions, but if I did, I’d resolve to make 2014 the year that I master the art of change. “She’ll be right, mate!”*

NTM

*disclaimer – there is no guarantee I’m using this phrase correctly – but if so, then I’m simply providing more amusement for my friends so it’s all good!