Even positive changes can bring challenges

“Do you really want to be made well”

— John 5:6 (NIV)

Years ago, when I was promoted to a unit nurse supervisor, I couldn’t wait to start my new position.

My first new task was to learn how to do the schedule. It looked easy to me, just follow the pattern of the old schedule. But I would soon find out things didn’t always go according to plan.

On one of my days off I received a phone call. There was a staffing problem because two employees called in sick. Other times someone wanted to take a vacation or a day off. Juggling the schedule to cover the lack of coverage meant unhappy workers.

The schedule wasn’t my only new duty; there were several things I hadn’t encountered before. I was feeling exhausted and insecure with all the new responsibilities I had to handle. I realized the position came with many challenges. However, with persistence and time, I learned the art of managing.

Before Jesus healed the sick beggar, he proposed a question, “Do you really want to be made well?” That appears to be an odd question. But, in this case, Jesus knew the challenges the man would face, since he begged for a living. Getting well meant he’d be living a new lifestyle, and working in the community in which he begged. Jesus wanted to make sure he was prepared for that.

Many people like the thought of being promoted. But with each promotion comes a new level of responsibility that can cause us to feel insecure and frustrated. Our confidence becomes shaky and uncertain.

Whether we are promoted to be the boss, a new parent, or any other type of position, it requires growth and learning on our part. If we take small steps and stay the course through the challenging process, we can learn to perform our responsibilities and gain a renewed sense of confidence.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.