People say it like it has no meaning, but to many people, change is something scary, sad or depressing. I've always been one to look forward to change, mainly because I am anxious to see what is next to come. I think its because for the most part, change has always been a good thing in my life.
Growing up my dad was in the Navy, meaning we moved around a lot. I'm sure it was hard, but mostly I remember the excitement of being in a new place, making new friends and experiencing new things. Even when we settled in Excel, Alabama when I was in first grade, we lived in seven different houses before I got married and had a house of my own. Going to college was exciting for me, as was graduating and each new job I've had since then. Marriage was exciting for me and the birth of my daughter was an exciting change to our family. Sure, there have been a few changes that I could have done without, but overall change has never left a bad taste in my mouth.
My husband, on the other hand, can't stand change. Not only does he dread it, but he usually is pretty sad about it for a while. Most of the changes that he experienced growing up weren't positive ones for him. His parents divorced when he was little and from the memories that he shares about that period in his life, I can tell he took it harder than normal. When he shares his memories of visiting both families and grandparents, his stories are usually focused on how hard it was when it was time to go. He has lost several important people in his life, two of which I was able to witness the deep sadness of the losses to him. Change has been hard for him, thus his view of change is much different than mine.
But regardless of how each of us view change, change is inevitable. Things never stay the same. Take the trees at Auburn University. In light of the recent news that someone has poisoned the beautiful oaks on Auburn University's campus, many people are heartbroken and angry. These trees have been part of the campus and tradition for over 130 years. They've been covered in toilet paper countless times, been the backdrop of may gorgeous weddings and been the focal point of beautiful pictures. But now, according to scientists, all of that is about to come to and end as the trees are likely to die - pretty quickly.
The loss of the trees on Auburn University's campus is a reminder that very few things in life are permanent. Most likely, our children will never have the pleasure of visiting Toomer's Corner after a football game to see the trees decorated in toilet paper. When we visit Auburn University on game day, we'll walk across the lawn and tell them about the trees that were there when we were young. They'll learn from others about the old traditions of the school. The memories will live on, the spirit of Auburn will live on, and many other traditions on the campus will live on, but the trees will not. But there will be new traditions, and eventually more trees. In about a decade, the students at Auburn University will remember little of our old traditions and will instead be celebrating the new ones. It may be sad to many of us, but its life - and its real.
The trees on Auburn University's campus don't define Auburn University. They don't create the spirit of the Auburn Tigers, nor are they the reason that Auburn fans join together to celebrate a win. They are merely symbols of those things - one of many symbols. The spirit of Auburn lives on and her fans will still celebrate on game day. We will still come together to share in game day traditions, and though they may be different, they will mean just as much as they ever did.
And speaking of change, oh does the man who killed the trees have some changes coming.......
As we go through life, we will experience many changes. Some will be good, some will be bad, and some might be permanent. Some might be funny, some might be sad, and some might surprise us. But one thing is for sure, change will happen. It's inevitable - Things Change.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." - Mark 13:31
