Change! Love it or hate it! It happens anyway!

Change is an unavoidable factor of life. Some take it in their stride, some love it, some resist it and some fear it! Personality type and other individual factors effect our disposition and attitude towards change, as with all other experiences. That diversity is good as it protects us as a community from being over-impulsive, from resistance, from unhealthy reactions. It also keeps conversations lively!

Change is very much at large in Lucan currently as we look towards a change in parish leadership in St Mary's and St Patrick's Catholic parishes, in the Presbyterian community and the Methodist community. Change is at large in almost every family where children are changing classes, schools, to colleges, to new jobs .... Change is at large for those who find that personal ability levels are changing, for those who retire at this time of year and for those who are presented with many forms of letting go as family members or friends move on.

Love it or hate it, change is like a train going down a hill - it can't be stopped so the track of a good and positive attitude is the best tool for movement on the tracks! Otherwise, we run around in circles dealing with the lumps and bumps on the track. Change usually brings us into a space where new challenges, opportunities, people, talents, places, etc may be found. However, the aspect of loss of what kept us comfortable up to this point must be acknowledged so that we can give help and take help when needed.

We've all seen cartoon scenes of individuals crossing from one land mass to another: when going back isn't an option, they either take the leap forward to a safe landing or they fall down the space between! What makes the difference is having companionship on the journey and trusting that every experience has a purpose for which we are more than well equipped. What it really looks like on the other side of change can only be realised on sound arrival.

Let us enjoy the journey that life is with its' many twists and turns and trust that there is a new hope around every corner, even if it is difficult to see at the moment for those in motion. We'll look after one another!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes