Let nothing trouble you,

let nothing frighten you.

All things are passing;

God never changes …

My wonderful grandfather apparently lived by the saying, “Why use one nail when three (each pounded in from a different direction) will do?”

My latest job of dismantling something he made went better and worse than expected. The crumbling concrete of the planter pulled apart by hand and the statue of Mary came loose with a good tug. But the leaning column she stood on required me, my brother, his sledgehammer and a grinder to conquer the bricks and the three, hidden, cemented-in, steel rods. We have no idea how much concrete holds the remaining pieces of rods in place underground there somewhere.

My grandfather’s goodhearted efforts at permanence makes me think of the pyramids of old, which, big and solid as they are, still have been and continue to be whittled away by the elements and by thieves. Even God’s own big-and-solid creations, mountains for example, gradually succumb to the effects of outer forces as simple as wind and rain.

Change is inevitable and unavoidable. All things, including our very selves, are passing. The universe itself is on the move.

The stability we need can only be found in God. If we stand on Him alone, we can with hope face changes big or small, gradual or sudden, welcome or catastrophic. If our courage rests on anything or anyone else, we are not safe for the long term and sooner or later will find ourselves floundering in fear.

St. Teresa of Avila, author of the quote above continued below, knew all about derailed plans, about illness and other fragilities of life. Her firm foundation on God kept her going through multiple challenges.

How do we plant both of our feet on God, our true rock in times of change?

We can begin by looking around at examples of the impermanence of things, seeing what happens to the many people who do not rest their future wellbeing on God. Whether it is power or fame, wealth or beauty, many folks somehow convince themselves that such things will never go away. When that false sense of security or complacency is threatened, they do not respond well. Think about the pain and destruction that has been caused by people trying to hang onto power, for example.

Next, ponder those people who do rely, to a greater and growing extent, on God. Think of the people who manage to find gratitude when a tornado takes their home, and those who continue to find joy in their hope for heaven when they are given a difficult prognosis.

Men and women who have rooted themselves in God manage to forgive others’ transgressions. They often give of themselves in service to others instead of indulging their own desires. Sometimes instead of meeting their own needs.

Once we are clear about the truth of passing things, we can focus with greater clarity on God. We can read the Bible, the catechism and the writings of the saints to gain additional wisdom of mind and inspiration of heart. We can practice generosity with our time, talents and treasure and discipline our habits of indulgence.

We can pray daily, spending regular time with the One who loves us best, as St. Teresa says. God will begin to teach us how to love, and we will begin to find security in His love.

We also will begin to learn the truth that:

Patience obtains all things.

He who possesses God lacks nothing:

God alone suffices.