How to Learn to Enjoy Change
Pablo Diaz
Here’s how you can make a big life change a positive experience.
Stepping into a new phase of life requires a lot of trust in God. Everything is new, and change is constant.
My wife, Elba, and I are in the middle of our transition from New York to Florida, leaving long-time jobs and relationships and starting over. As with all change, there are gains and losses, but prayer is helping us get through all of it.
We miss family, friends and co-workers although with technology we can remain connected. But we can’t touch or enjoy a meal with them. It helps to remember that you never have to be alone. Wherever you go, there are people. It’s just that everyone you meet is new! That can be a wonderful opportunity if you trust you’ll make new friends.
A few days after arriving in Florida, I had to go to Atlanta for a business trip. On my return home from the airport, I took an Uber. The driver, John, and I got into a conversation. It turns out that John lives in our apartment complex. He noted that he has picked up thousands of people over the years but rarely someone who lives in his complex.
I shared about my moving to Florida after a call to be the interim pastor of the Presbyterian congregation at Dunedin. John offered valuable information about my new home—hospitals, doctors, dentist, restaurants, beaches, traffic patterns and more. We connected in the most unexpected way. God knew what I needed.
Change is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage to navigate uncharted waters. Letting go of what we know and opening ourselves to what might be is challenging even when we seek change.
Trust in God during this process includes letting go of what we think we know and allowing a space for curiosity and openness. This spirit allows us to step into a new community, church or workplace with faith and a positive attitude that we will meet and develop new friendships and enjoy all that change has to offer.
Given that several of our parishioners have had to down-size and move closer to children or move into a new retirement residence, the above article will hopefully send them some inspiration to adapt to a new paradigm of living arrangements. We send loving thoughts to Marg McK., Lenore C., Ena W., Sandy T., Maureen S., Peter and Joan K., Jean F., to name a few, who have moved or who are about to move into new living environments.
Move into this new stage of your lives with grace and with the knowledge that your friends at Graceview will not forget you anytime soon.
Isaiah 46:4: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you”
A Taste of Spain Dinner
Our dinner on Friday, Nov 15th was a great success. Almost 85 people enjoyed a delicious Spanish meal prepared by Chef Keith Hoare and his students. The students, assisted by Chef Keith and his wife, did a wonderful job of serving the food, clearing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. Chef Keith talked about the menu items before we ate and then gave a short talk about the students’ March break trip to Spain, the culinary program at Thistletown Collegiate and some of the charitable work that he and his students have done for various food banks and shelters. Our new musical director, Boris Treivus, entertained us by playing a few pieces during the evening. Ticket sales totalled $2520 and to date we have raised $865 in charitable donations for the TCI Euro Trip. All proceeds from the dinner will go towards the students’ trip.
A Wonderful Update about Jerina
Jerina is currently doing an internship/ placement at Nyeri Town Health center. She is due to graduate next year in November 2025. The Mission Team is proud of Jerina’s outstanding performance in her trimester 1 2024 exams. She attained an A average (with distinction) in almost all the subjects. Her excellent performance can be attributed to the relief of having her school fees paid in full, therefore taking that stressor off her radar. Consequently, she was able to focus on her studies and to take the exams as scheduled. Previously before Graceview Church through the Mission team started supporting her, she struggled to pay her school fees and was therefore not allowed to sit for the exams. What a relief to her now! Graceview has impacted Jerina’s life in a very special way. Glory to God for working through Graceview to bless Jerina.
WEEKLY GIGGLE
Here is an oldie, but a goodie. Thank to Kathy T. for sending this in.
When Forest Gump died, he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.
St. Peter said, “Welcome, Forest. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, it’s getting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance examination before we let them in.”
“Okay,” said Forest. “I hope it’s not too hard. I’ve already been through a test. My momma used to say, ‘Life is like a final exam. It’s hard.’ “
“Yes, Forest, I know. But this test is only three questions. Here they are.”
1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T’?”
2) How many seconds are in a year?
3) What is God’s first name?
“Well, sir,” said Forest, “The first one is easy. Which two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T’? Today and Tomorrow.”
St. Peter looked surprised and said, “Well, that wasn’t the answer I was looking for, but you have a point. I give you credit for that answer.”
“The next question,” said Forest, “How many seconds are in a year? Twelve.”
“Twelve?” said St. Peter, surprised and confused.
“Yes, sir. January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd …”
St. Peter interrupted him. “I see what you mean. I’ll have to give you credit for that one, too.”
“And the last question,” said Forest, “What is God’s first name? It’s Andy.”
“Andy?” said St. Peter, in shock. “How did you come up with ‘Andy’?”
“I learned it in church. We used to sing about it.” Forest broke into song, “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own.”
St. Peter opened the gate to heaven and said, “Run, Forest, Run!”
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Do you have any news or prayer requests that you would like to share? Drop me a line and I will be happy to include it in the Weekly Email. Have a blessed week, everyone.
Susan choppertini@hotmail.com
Contact information for Pastor Eric Lee: 778-791-1741; leefyeric@gmail.com
NB: If the phone number for Pastor Eric does not connect you immediately (technical issues?) call the church (416-621-0888) and press #1 for Pastor Eric.
Email for Iris: ericirishk@gmail.com
* Message from Pastor Eric: “FYI the Graceview website page below has been revamped, so as to keep people updated of our activities and events. Visit us and enjoy all that is good about Graceview”. https://graceview.ca/calendar-events