Moving
We can learn much from life that applies to moving classes. My wife and I have been in the process of moving for months. Back in the Spring, we decluttered our house to prepare it to sell. Then she had surgery. Seven weeks following surgery, we listed the house, and we accepted an offer three days later.
Six days later, I had surgery with three weeks of recovery expected. Keep in mind that during recovery, I will be unable to lift anything more than twenty pounds. During my recovery, we had to rent an apartment and move–since the house we are building is two months from completion.
Moving is painful on so many levels. Our youngest son who helped us with the move struggled emotionally since he was in elementary when we bought the house. Our oldest son who also helped, talked about how big the house looked empty. When movers took her baby grand piano into storage, my wife struggled. For me the emotional pain came in my inability to lift and help more.
Moving is also physically and mentally painful. My hands and many muscles are sore from the exertion. We exhausted ourselves every day working long hours packing and moving boxes and furnishings. Even the many logistical arrangements were challenging to put together. For instance, not many apartments like to rent a month at a time.
Moving Classes
In a similar way, moving classes to the best space can be a painful process. Emotions can be involved. It can cause fear of the physical demands. And processing the reasons and plans can result in some mental anguish–even when good reasons are shared for moving.
Talk to the teacher first. Don’t demand; ask. Explain the reasons; seek the teacher’s support. Then ask the teacher for permission to sit down with the class on Sunday. With the class, again don’t present the move as a demand. Explain and ask for their support. If the teacher will then express his/her support, the move will be more positively received. When willingness to move is given, offer to help them with the move.
Even done with this approach, there can still be pain. Be understanding and supportive. While church space belongs to God and not us, humans can sometimes build attachments over time. Don’t run from pain, but patiently help the class walk through it. Don’t push. The results are worth moving more slowly!
Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash
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