When you’re finished changing, you’re finished. -Ben Franklin
I thought it appropriate to quote Ben Franklin (Bennie) on his opinions of change as I find myself this morning in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, about to celebrate some great changes in my own brother’s life as he receives his Doctorate of Archeology today. Nick, now Dr. Nick Blackwell, is at the brink of much change in his life. After being a student his whole life, he will now be a professor. After being tied down to Philadelphia for his studies and only being able to do digs during the summer, his life is now uncertain and has more freedom. He will spend some time this year supervising digs and doing research in Cyprus, Athens, London, and Jerusalem, but for now, he and his wife don’t know exactly where they will be living. Today is a day of great change for them.
Change is not only exciting, but it is also necessary. Change is not always about making the changes that you want to make, it is about being open to the things and people in life that you don’t understand.
We all so often talk about the change that society needs, but too often we are complacent to make the own changes within ourselves that we ourselves need. Always hold true to being yourself, but have a willing hear to others, an open mind for new types of art, and a generous spirit for different cultures and styles of living. As Gandhi famously said, “be the change you wish to see in the world.”
As my brother embarks upon a journey of change and discovery, I too will mimic his fearless openness to the new chapters of life that are opening up to us every day. These new chapters are the perfect opportunities to make sure that we are never finished changing.
Congratulations Nick, and thank you, Bennie.