Change normally refers to new beginnings but transformation often happens not when something new begins but when something old falls apart. The pain of falling apart, even disruption and chaos, invites the soul to listen deeply. Whatever it is, it does not feel good and we will do anything to keep the old thing from falling apart.
Perhaps Jesus was describing this phenomenon when he said, “It is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). Incidentally, he mentioned this narrow road right after teaching the Golden Rule. Jesus knows how much letting go it takes to “treat others as you would like them to treat you” (7:12).
Either change can help people find new meaning, or it can cause people to close down and turn bitter. The difference is determined by the quality of our inner life, our spirituality. Spiritual transformation is an active process of letting go, living in the confusing dark space for a while, and allowing our self to be spit up on a new and unexpected shore.
2 Corinthians 4:16 “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”
