Innovation I By Andrea Frondorf nnovation can be defined as “something new or different introduced; the introduction of new things or methods.” The word has such excitement imbedded within it as you learn to apply it to your life. The process of innovation can be painful, often uncomfortable, yet highly invigorating when you set your mind purposely on embracing growth. When reading various scriptures God always reminds us that we are a work in progress. Perfection will never be attained on this side of eternity, but we are always striving for the prize which calls us heavenward (Phil 3:14). Why would we really want to change often through hardships, heartbreaks and obstacles though? What inherent qualities within us cause us to constantly “innovate” ourselves? I believe every person wants to be “better” and have a greater life. We’re always striving for more fulfillment, and with change (innovation), we experience exactly that. When we’re comfortable, we’re often stagnate. The better life we’re looking for doesn’t occur here. Embracing innovation requires letting go and allowing God to restructure us – our thoughts, words, actions & peace. When we are given the opportunity to re-write the story of our lives, we can begin it at any given moment – when we decide to implement the retraining of our thoughts and in seizing new opportunities, trusting God’s processes. When we take a look at our “normal” everyday lives, we have so many opportunities to allow innovation to occur, and to change us, if we allow. Recently, after I moved my daughter home for the summer from college, and was excited and ready to enjoy some great family time, I found out we had to move out of our home. I was given 30 days to find a new place, pack, move and “make it happen.” Immediately, anger, distress, sadness, frustration and stress overtook me. Thoughts distressed me as I didn’t want to move; I LOVED my home and planned to finish raising my last child here; I LOVED my front porch, I loved the unique characteristics of this house; the warmth, the comfort we had grown to be accustomed to over the last few years was fantastic and I had no plans to leave anytime soon. God had other plans. After seven days of crying, stressing, begging Him for help, knowing He must have a plan and asking Him to please reveal it, it wasn’t until I surrendered it, that peace surfaced and the plans were laid out. As I attended Mothers’ Day service at my church with my kids, we sang “It Is Well With My Soul”. I closed my eyes, cried and let go – the Peace washed over me. “Innovation” was necessary. We left and I shared with my kids that God doesn’t necessarily want us to be comfortable, but to be willing to trust and be molded into His plan. I walked away from service fully confident that even if I didn’t think that I liked His plan, because I didn’t understand it, it would be the Best. I trusted beyond my own comprehension & circumstances. DEVINE GLORY MAGAZINE 7 The very next day I was signing papers to “settle” on a house that was less than what I wanted, but I was willing to go where God had provided. However, I received a phone call offering a house that was bigger, more beautiful and had everything I was wishing for. God made a way. God had a plan. God gave me MORE than what I had wanted. circumstances, though, and accepted His ways that the blessing came. I had the opportunity to retrain my thoughts and heart as God orchestrated His innovation procedures in this “normal, everyday life moment.” I was blessed considerably as I “let go.” Innovation is the introduction of new things. It is creating a new mindset, beliefs, a deepening trust and a “letting go” of being comfortable where we are that we can embrace the uncomfortable and allow the construction of small miracles to be unleashed. When we find ourselves in challenging circumstances we gain such emotional strength when we face them, embrace them and enjoy the surprizes along the way. Andrea C. Frondorf Connections By Drea Connectionsbydrea@gmail.com 843-222-6714 Coach’s Corner It wasn’t until I stopped fussing at my
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