There is a town on the shore of the Hudson River, just outside of the city that never sleeps, about fifteen miles north of New York City. During the day, it glistens with views of waves and water, and at night you can watch the nearby city lights twinkle like fireflies. And the trees — wouldn’t you believe it? — New York has as many trees as skyscrapers.
It is the town I grew up in, the town I went to college in, even the town my grandfather was killed in.
My dream was to get away from this town, this county, this city, and go somewhere far away — somewhere like the college in Oklahoma that covered the pamphlets I kept sprawled across my teenage bedroom floor.
In my last year of high school, I sat in the office of my guidance counselor, all nervous and fidgety. I can still see her face framed by her long curly hair and those gentle, brown eyes. I told her I wanted to go away for college so I could get away, so I could see someplace new and become someone different.
“That sounds great,” she said. “But did you know that there’s a college nearby that sounds like it has just what you’re looking for?”
“No,” I told her. No, I didn’t know, and no, I didn’t want to go.
I told her I was happy with my plan and where I wanted to be, but out of respect for her guidance I told her I’d visit the college the next time they had orientation.
And wouldn’t you believe it, that first moment I stepped onto campus, I suddenly felt every dream I had about Oklahoma fade away, disappearing into thin air like it never belonged there in the first place. It was then that I chose that college; it was there, overlooking the same river I’d seen again and again that I realized I had fallen in love with my town for all new reasons.
Even though it never changed, even though everything about it was the same, it was like seeing it all for the very first time. It turned out, the change was in me, opening my heart to see a beauty that was always there, but that I’d never before seen.
The truth is that welcoming any change — changes in mind, heart, place, life — is like that, too. Change helps us see the beauty that has always been there but that we’d never before seen. We go on our hands and knees in search of ideals, perfection, and novelty, when what we really need to do is to look around and see that we have all that we need.
So, today, on this first day of the month that mentally cues our hearts to welcome new rhythms in work and school, a month that cues our souls to seek out squashes and pumpkins and seasonal shopping, may you center your heart to welcome change, not simply by the shifting seasons, but by the speaking Spirit. More than looking to the falling leaves and cooler weather, more than consistency coming back, more than the prospect of holidays, look to the growing softness of your own heart. Look to those things that are falling away, those things that are good and ready to be done with. Look to the places in your life where God is already at work. Look to your home, to your desk, to your nightstand, to your floors, to your feelings.
And whether the voice of the Spirit comes sweeping in slowly or suddenly, it is surely He that is speaking.
You do not need a new town, a new day, or a new season to usher in the kind of change that stills your soul to see you are already rich in all that you need and all that you need to be. There’s no need to chase or escape something or someplace to be made new. It is God who does this breathtaking work within us.
Mary Margret says
Humm….I find it interesting that I have found this site on the first of September and the content was about looking around you instead of searing far and wide for the changes we want to see in our lives. I look forward to exploring with you all the many possibilities of what that might be!
Rachel Kang says
We’re so glad you found us and that you’re here with us to grow and change. Welcome!
NancyM says
Welcoming change is hard and scary… but I like your message!
karyn j says
nancy,
i am coming to this realization more and more as i step into this new season in my life. the unknown is scary and can be paralyzing. i didn’t realize all these years what people meant when they would talk about stepping out on faith. it’s very scary. but once we do it, it is so rewarding and makes you trust God even more!
Rachel Kang says
It is very hard and scary. I’m so grateful our God is gentle and kind—may he meet you in the middle, today!
Ruth Mills says
Here in SC most of our schools have been in session for a weeks, PSL has been everywhere for over a month, the cinnamon broomsticks are popping up this week & the climate goes from hot to very warm & cool won’t show up til January so the markers September 1 brings of change are either late or delayed. But God provides beauty in everyday life all year long whether we rush ahead on the calendar or lag behind the rest of the country. What a comfort it is that He is the One to orchestrate change to fill our hearts with Himself! Thank you for encouraging us to look around & see Him!
Rachel Kang says
I understand! I am in NC and know the fall feeling won’t come until months later. And, yet, the evidence is all around, leaves falling already. So grateful our God is always at work within us no matter the time or season we find ourselves in. Hoping you find the beauty today!
Krista C. says
I really enjoyed this. There’s something about looking around & reminding myself that The Lord is providing exactly what I need right here, right now. Thanks for the challenge to seek beauty in the places that are around me right now. Truly – this was an impactful read.
Rachel Kang says
So glad this touched your heart, right where you are. Hoping to see glimpses of God at work in you today and through this season : )
Janet Kostrewa says
Thank you for this message.Very thought provoking.Change does not come from the outside,but our inside.I have alot of work to do inside.Looking to Jesus.
Rachel Kang says
Janet, sister. I have so much work to do inside, too. So glad he’s not done with me or you yet. With you.
Nancy says
Wow, this message really resonates with me! But I need to read it again, in order to sift through it for the gems I want to keep. Thank you for sharing.
Grace and peace. ❤️
Rachel Kang says
So, so glad it touched your heart. May God sustain you through this season, showing you all the gems that are already right there for you to find <333
Heidi says
I have to agree. I live in Tennessee, so I know fall won’t likely come until October. But this morning I saw lots of leaves around me and I stopped to think we are ready to start a new season, aren’t we? The mornings are cooler — not by a whole lot, but I will gladly give up the humidity that comes with Tennessee summers after living most of my lifetime in Ohio. 🙂 I noticed that I am “noticing” the subtle changes around me. September brings a new schedule, although our schools started last month as well. I have no kids, so that doesn’t impact me as much. I very much enjoyed your writing!
Rachel Kang says
Stopping to notice all of these small things really does have the potential to draw us into a truth God may be teaching us. I had so much fun today picking up fallen leaves with my son. I’m learning to be content right where I am—sticky, hot Carolina summers and all : )
Irene says
One thing good: the view from my kitchen window. Cows in a field that’s bordered by trees. A bit of fog settling on the grass. Clear skies above. And a crescent moon accenting the blue sky. All lovely. All mine, to view every day.
Rachel Kang says
Just so beautiful. I can see and feel it. Such peace. I long for a pastoral view like that, someday. For now, I’ll give thanks for the views from my window. Thanks for sharing yours : )
Andree Hidalgo says
Beautiful message….I’m in south LA and talk about change in the last several days!!! This type A teacher and mother struggles with unannounced and unexpected changes, especially. I love your story of recognizing where change really does happen—even at your young high school/college entry age!
On another odd note, you are stunning!!! 🙂 Not that it matters, but I literally stopped to view your picture and beauty! Beautiful gift you have from Christ!
Blessings to all today…
Andree 🙂
Rachel Kang says
I’ll trade you a day here in North Carolina for a day in California! Haha, funny how this season really does slow us down to embrace change practice contentedness, all at the same time. Hoping the season is kind to you. And, thanks so much for your kind words : )
Donna says
Rachel, this is what I needed today. It’s so easy for me to always wan to move on to something new. Thanks for the reminder that I have all I need in the season and place God has for me right now.
Rachel Kang says
You are so welcome for the reminder. I am sitting here reminding myself, too. May we give thanks for all that is before us in the here and now.
Terresa says
God is present in so many ways in my life! Slowing down to see Him & acknowledge I have all I need isn’t always easy. Thank you for this reminder!
Rachel Kang says
I’m with you, Terresa — slowing down with you. May God greet you with his good, good grace.
Brenda M. Russell says
Thank you for sharing this lovely narrative. I feel like I know you and where you went to school. I am living in Clinton, MS. I was born in Gluckstadt, MS not too far from my daily life. I enjoy the Fall of the year for certain, it ushers in Thanksgiving.
This holiday brings no extra stress, you can have a traditional meal or prepare tacos. Everyone has something with which they can be grateful.
You can take beautiful pictures and draw wonderful scenery for any canvas. My youngest daughter was born in October and we both enjoy the season of Autumn. Football Games, Pep Rallies, Tail Gait Parties,
Marching Bands and the Fair comes to town. Life is good !
You are right, often we try to run away from our every day routine to have a new point of view but if we pause and regroup our thinking, there is right in front of your eyes everything you need for life and godliness. God planned it that way.
Thank you for the reminder.
Brenda M Russell
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend
Rachel Kang says
I’m so glad you saw the picture I tried to paint of the town I grew up in. I miss it so much this time of year, the leaves and the colors and the water. New York is beautiful. But, it’s beautiful right where I am too. Slowing down to be present and see keeps my eyes upward and my heart grateful. How beautiful, the memories and moments you share with your daughter in this season. October is right around the corner. Hoping you savor and enjoy each day : )
Debbie says
Lovely! Thanks for sharing this.
Beth Williams says
Rachel,
Change is constant & all around us. We just have to open our eyes & minds to see it. There have been times when I wanted to leave the small town I live in. Thinking life could be better someplace else. God has shown me that He wants me here. Here in Upper E. TN amongst Smoky Mountains. Here where I have a lots of friends, good job, volunteer opportunities, & beautiful scenery. There are many small towns around here we can explore. Autumn/Fall around here is when the weather gets a little cooler, leaves change color & you can smell good pumpkins, other homemade goodies. Yes opening my eyes & heart to see the loveliness of where I am now.
Blessings ::)
Becky Keife says
“may you center your heart to welcome change, not simply by the shifting seasons, but by the speaking Spirit.” Amen, friend!
Ruthie says
Just what I needed.these word are surly god speaking to my heart . Thank you