I dislike change, especially when everything is going smoothly. I firmly believe in the saying that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I thrive in environments and situations where I feel most comfortable. Yet, when things do change, I experience a feeling of loss and often find myself reminiscing about “the good old days when…” The most difficult time of change for me is when friends move away. I also struggle starting over with a new doctor, finding a new hairdresser, leaving a job, and the list goes on. So, when I received a letter from our dog groomer announcing her upcoming retirement at year’s end, my heart sank. Panic immediately set in, and I couldn’t help but think about how this news would impact Ella. She was our first and only groomer, someone we trusted with our most precious gift. She was also someone Ella grew to respect and trust. The thought of starting over and introducing a new person into Ella’s life (and my life) was something I didn’t want to have to deal with. What if Ella doesn’t like the new person? Even more concerning, what if I don’t like them either?

Can you relate? Perhaps you are currently in a season of change where that once lively home filled with laughter has become eerily silent. Maybe you’ve looked forward to retiring, and now that day is here, and you’re left with that nagging question, “Now what?” Perhaps you’re starting a new job, relocating, or experiencing a loss. Whatever the season you’re in, change is inevitable. There’s nothing we can do to stop it. So, how do we cope with transitioning into the next season of life?

While it’s true that nothing stays the same, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:8 that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Malachi 3:6, God declares, “For I the Lord do not change.” These verses give me hope because Jesus doesn’t change. So, if He doesn’t change, then His word doesn’t change. His promises were true back then, and they remain true for me today.What does this mean for you? It means that we can trust Him in every season of life because He is faithful and unchanging. It doesn’t mean that we won’t face adversity, pain, or loss, but it does mean that our unchangeable God walks with us through every season of life.

I am grateful that God brought Ella’s groomer into our lives for this season. She was a blessing when we desperately needed her. She was kind, gentle, and patient during each visit. She knew what to expect: an anxious dog who didn’t want to be touched. Yet her demeanor and the way she loved on Ella were genuine. As time went by, Ella sensed that love and learned to put up with the inconvenience of being touched. I will miss her and our conversations while she clipped Ella’s nails. I got to know her personally as she shared stories about her children, her career, and how she left the corporate world to start her own dog grooming business. Her life story encouraged me!

My search for a new groomer has begun. I don’t like it. I can predict how the first session will turn out. Ella will probably be anxious, shaking, and barking at the groomer. The couple of sessions after that will likely be similar. Nonetheless, I believe our unchanging God understands our needs. Just as He has provided for us in the past, I am confident He will do so once more. He will walk with Ella and me through this season of change. Although the new groomer has big shoes to fill, the God I serve is much bigger! Who knows, maybe our first session will turn out completely different from what I imagine.

Are you experiencing a season of change? Send me a message by clicking on the link below: “I would love to hear from you.” In the comments, let me know how I can pray for you during this time of transition.

It’s hard to find good pet care resources. I want to share some helpful resources I’ve discovered over the years. Click the link below to see what Ella found beneficial.