Change seems to be what's in the world these days. I read it in the papers and I see it in my emails. I am creating it in my businesses and in my life. And still, I resist it.

Recently, a friend emailed me that she was retiring, after 35 years at the same company. Her decision to retire was triggered by a great buy-out package, offered by her company as part of a strategy to survive tough economic times. Knowing this is a big transition for her, I replied, "Change is a good thing."

Her reply was lukewarm, reminding me that when I'm going through change, it can really suck. It's only afterwards, that I can look back and realize the blessing and turning point that it represents.

I found the following poem on a wonderful site, www.gratefulness.org.

Desire change. Be enthusiastic for that flame
in which a thing escapes your grasp
while it makes a glorious display of transformation.
That designing Spirit, the master mind of all things on earth
loves nothing so much in the sweeping movement of the dance
as the turning point.

— Rainer Maria Rilke,
translated by Br. David Steindl-Rast

To go deeper into the meaning of the words, see the delightful video below, of the translator first reading the poem in German, and then giving his interpretation of the poem.

How do you view change? What helps you in times of change?