Things Are A Changin'

Each athletic season brings change. New players, possibly new coaches. Maybe new schemes. Those that adapt to the change usually succeed. With COVID-19 guidelines, social unrest, and political demands, we are all in a state of change. Some changes we understand, some we don’t. Some are easier to accept than others. How do we adjust?  Minister Reinhold Niebuhr penned it best in 1932 when he wrote The Serenity Prayer – “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” 

Change is usually difficult. It is easier to remain the same. Staying in an old rut can seem comfortable until we get on a smooth path. The Apostle Paul had the huge responsibility to reveal and convince both the Jews and Gentiles that they were equal in Christ. Neither was better than the other, although each believed the contrary. He was to help unite two opposite nationalities, two different parties. (Sound familiar?) In Ephesians 3, Paul penned, “And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.” So the question is, “Do we feel we are privileged to serve God by spreading the same Good News?” 

In 1974, Diana Ross and the Supremes released a song titled “Things Are Changing.” The song was about unity and how everyone is equal and able to reach their dreams regardless of race, creed, or color. It may be a good time for it to be re-released. The lyrics were played across the airways almost 50 years ago and are a challenge to read today:

“And I'm gonna tell you about equal opportunity/There was a time when the world was fickle/And it may have been hard to succeed/But times have changed now/And school and training is all you really need/It doesn't matter who you may be/Everyone's equal with the same opportunity/Yes, things are changing for the better/Now is the time for you to better yourself/Life's got problems, but you can make it/And I'm going to tell you why/Just like the early bird that catches the worm/You gotta get up, go out and try/Your race or color won't stand in your way/Don't wait for tomorrow/Today is your day.”