Can you hear it? On the wind...change is a'comin'

I hate change. There, I said it. Such a strong word! you might say...the word hate. Fair enough, then. Let me clarify what I mean.

I do not hate all change. Loose change is nice to discover in your pocket. I will also allow that it is necessary to change clothes regularly to avoid strange looks and rude odors.  When I was younger, I regularly rearranged the furniture in my bedroom (bed, desk, dressers, etc.) to provide a fresh perspective and sleeping experience. I like these changes...because they are small changes, manageable, controllable, even desirable.

 The types of changes I strongly dislike...or at worst, hate (yes! I said it again!) are the earth-shaking, mind-boggling implosions of a life structure.  Some people might say..."well, that's not so bad is it?. Why not release the caged bird to sing freely?" (apologies for maligning Maya Angelou's poem).

You are right, I would reply! Let the bird fly freely and sing to its heart's delight. Let it soar and sing and stretch its wings. Then, when it tires of flying, let us see where it shelters. Will it adapt to sitting on a branch between flights? What will it do when the wind whistles and blows and shakes that branch as a dog would a chew toy? Will the shelter (branch) stand or shatter? How about when the bird finds a mate and desires to build a nest? How will these lovebirds find their desired spot upon (or within) which to build their nest? How will they protect their nest (and growing fledgelings) against the world, full of predators and dangers?

Just over eight years ago, I reflected on the "facade of life", as I called it, the 'cage' of relationships, negotiations, lies, stories, that held Hollywood together in the movie L.A. Confidential. Honestly, it equally holds all of human civilization in a delicate equilibrium (most of the time). I raged on about how susceptible that 'facade' is to corruption and misdirection, resulting in harm and misfortune for those locked within its golden bars. If you read closely though, you would notice that I did not protest explictly protest the cage itself...only its flaws and scuff marks. Rather, I was fascinated by the cage...and more desired to find someone to share my explorations and life as I analyzed that facade/cage and explored its nooks and crannies.

A lot has changed since that post. I have lived in two other states, fell in love, got married, went to graduate school, and became established in my first long-term professional job. Since 2011 and then 2012, I have enjoyed flying within my cage (facade) of marriage and then my job, exploring the intricacies, grooves, roots, and canopy of my space. I have relished the stability of this life, resting in its gentle embrace, leaning on its strength as I test its limits and repair the weak spots. I have swooped down into its valleys and soared up to alight upon its pillars, this time with a companion.

But now, I hear it. Like the drumbeats of ancient warriors preparing for battle, I hear gentle footsteps approaching, announcing the impending arrival of change. For the One who approaches holds the key that unlocks the door to this cage. Whether I like it or not, I know it is coming. Soon, the key will be inserted and twisted...unlocking the mechanism that holds the door securely in place.

When the door swings back and the gap appears, will this bird (and his lovebird) fly free? Will they sing their songs, test the branches, and build their nests? God only knows. Maybe that's the missing piece here...perhaps the birds know more about faith that humans do. Just as Celine Dion sang "Don't Give Up on Your faith...love comes to those who believe it...and that's the way it is", so perhaps does the joys, strength, and sustenance those birds need to fly, sing, nurture, and nest, despite the scary stuff that awaits outside the safety of those golden bars. I pray that is the case...because I can hear it...change is a comin'. Guess I'd better get prepared for it.