Adaptability is a skill needed like never before. As I move from working in the office to working at home and social distancing from all I treasure – family, friends and church, I realize how important it is to be flexible. It reminded me of a lecture I heard years ago while living in Hungary.

A seminar speaker suggested there were four characteristics necessary for living successfully in another culture:

· Flexibility
· Flexibility
· Flexibility
· A sense of humor

This Covid-19 pandemic founds me living in new circumstances and in fact a new culture. How can I survive? BY NOT BEING TROUBLED BY UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES and look for alternatives. Flexibility requires the skill of adapting my life to the resources available, working creatively with what I possess rather than worrying or fretting over what I don't possess or what is not possible. It is the process learning to find contentment with wherever I am or whatever I have.

The Apostle Paul understood this concept well. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he shared these thoughts on flexibility,

…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12 NIV

Notice that Paul says I have LEARNED to be content (flexible) – implying that flexibility is a learned skill. This week let us take a new step in learning the lesson of flexibility – contentment and creativity with the present.

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder