Change is Good

When I was in 11^th grade, my music minister was called by God to be a music minister at Eastern Hills Baptist Church. At first, I did not understand why he was leaving. I had a dream that my music minister and his family were going to be leaving. However, I did not know that he would depart before I graduated. I could not understand why God would have this happen to me. Now I have realized that this situation has helped me grow. It was God’s will and he is in control of all situations.

When I found out that they were leaving I was confused because I did not understand why he would leave me before I went off to college. Before he confronted our adult choir and orchestra, he called my house and told my mom the bad news. I was sad because I had gotten to know him like a father. He was my mentor and I did not want him to leave. I was very upset; I did not know why God would take him away from me when he was teaching me so much. I helped him and his family pack their belongings before they left. His daughter could not figure out why I was willing to help them pack. While I had become close friends with her in the past few years, I told her that it was God’s will for her and her family to move to another church. Also, I explained to her that this change was not a negative part of her life because change is good. She acted like my younger sister. For example, we picked on each other all the time.

Before I found out that my music minister and his family were leaving, I did not realize how important it was to spend time with them. It was a blessing in disguise due to the fact that I got to know his family on a more personal level. After they departed, I was completely lost. Unfortunately, I did not have someone to talk to when I needed it the most. I felt like everyone was leaving me. Not only was he someone that I looked up to, he was also the only music minister I could remember having. Even though I knew that change needed to occur, I did not want it to.

Now, I feel totally different about the situation because I know why he had to leave. It was God’s will. I am happy with how things worked out. For instance, I met unique people, made new friends, learned the difference between how individuals lead music, and found ways to cope with loss. It is a growing experience. Eventually, I came to understand why God takes people away from me that I deeply care about. My music minister’s time was complete there and God had other plans for him. I have learned how to have a long distance relationship. He is still my mentor and he knows what answer I want when I ask questions.

We still have a strong connection. Even though it is difficult to maintain a long distance relationship, he still teaches me many lessons. I learned that while certain situations do not appear good at the time, God is in control. There is always light at the end of a tunnel. I know that if God had him stay in St. Augustine, it would have been harder for me to look at schools outside of the state. I wanted to stay near home so that I could play at the same church for him. However, I would have never met my new friends or learned how God sometimes has to change a person’s world upside down to make him/her listen. Being away from my old music minister has helped me to depend more on God. So far, my time at Gardner-Webb University has opened my eyes to new experiences. I am also more determined and enthusiastic to find out what God has in store for my life. I am willing and able to do what God has in store for me. God has taught me so much through this situation.

Some situations will happen in your life where you may question God but keep in mind that if you just watch it will turn into good. It may take longer than you think but watch. I was not happy at first that my mentor’s family was leaving. Things changed because now I am happy he left. I have grown up a lot throughout this time period. God has taught me to rely on Him more. At the beginning change may not seem good but rely on God though all situations.