From time to time we hear about people making sudden and drastic changes in their lives in response to major trauma. A heart attack, for example, precipitates long delayed soul-searching, which leads to a career change or new lifestyle. Similarly, an unexpected divorce or the loss of a loved one leads to a complete reordering of priorities.

When such crisis-triggered metamorphoses work out for our friends or relatives, we're happy for them. But what about ourselves? Must we also be hit over the head with a sledgehammer before we're able to break out of rigid molds or stultifying patterns? Why does it have to take a catastrophe to spur us to action?

The point is that we can make these decisions anytime. God expects us to change. That's why we seek his guidance; that's why He has given us power of choice and free will.

Once we become willing to make major changes, it can be frightening to take those first steps. But that's where our partnership with God comes into play again. He will always be there to guide and protect us. He will always provide us with the courage and strength we need to carry out His will in our own best interest.

Thought for Today:  We don't have to experience blindness to become willing to see the light.