There was already a long line of cars parked along the street and people were making their way to the location that everyone had been talking about all day. I got out of my ‘stang and started walking up the sidewalk. I heard people nearby saying things like “I can’t believe he is doing this!” and another said “Of all people…I never thought HE would be this crazy!” So what was such big news and excitement? The biggest toker, head-banger, wild-child, free-spirit to ever attend public school…had “found God”. For his absolution? He was going to put his entire collection of rock albums in a huge pile in his driveway and burn them! What!?!?! A week ago, there wasn’t a party in town he didn’t go to, slam some beers, burn a few and then raise his fist in solidarity with anything mind-altering and get in his 81 Trans Am and screech away from the party on his way to the next, and the next. The amazing thing wasn’t the fact that this guy had made a bold conversion…but EVERYONE knew, he had the hands-down no kidding BEST collection of rock and classic rock albums of anyone in school. BAR NONE! So yeah – this was pretty huge. If there was ever an unbelievable 180 degree change in a person, this had to be at the top of the list! By the time I got to the house, he was just finishing pouring lighter fluid on the pile of albums. Some were cracked, broken and ripped and I could easily make out several of the albums that I either had at my house or wanted to yank from the pile and add to my collection. But, too late…He tossed the empty can aside and pulled out his trusty Zippo and WHOOSH! The fire was raging. The thick smoke was black and quickly formed a rising column as melodies, LP sleeves and sins rose to the clouds above. Among the crowd you could hear moans, screams, chants and I think I even heard someone yell “Hallelujah” – I am sure had any of us known how much those albums would have been worth today, 
we probably would have made a greater effort at saving them- Nonetheless, this was not about US or the albums, it was an extreme statement that this party animal had turned a new leaf.
So, what was so special about this incredible change? Nothing…it was awesome and everyone there could feel the excitement of the moment. But it turns out…THAT was the problem. Once the people left, the smoke died and the driveway cleaned of the ashes from a former lifestyle…it was back to business. Tomorrow came sooner than expected and the same challenges still existed, the same expectations were patiently standing by. I think it was about 2 years following the “fire of change” that I heard not only had the excitement died down, but the majority of those albums had been re-purchased and the once empty shelves were yet again slowly building. So what happened? How could a guy that was SO on fire (pun intended) for the Lord now be right back where he started? I think many of us could ask this same question about some landmark change we had committed to, that later came back once again. Drinking, unemployed, be it a vice or an attitude or even an action…if we just went through the actions of making a change and didn’t keep it in our core, then it was destined to resurface.
I believe that making a change is usually rooted in some awesome revelation of something in our lives that we have grown tired of and now we are READY and SERIOUS to make a change! Woo hoo! The only thing is; unless you maintain that “fire” and nurture your commitment and dedicate your daily life to this change…the odds of it’s stick-ability are sadly not in your favor. So what if your change doesn’t stick? Does it mean you are a failure…a quitter…a weak person? Heck no! It means, you are HUMAN and just as fallible as any other person is. Despite many of our most committed desires to change, there are a myriad of reasons why it might not stick. Truth is: If anyone can come up with a sure plan to never capitulate or revert…you will be an instant ka-jillion-aire! How many times do people make the obligatory “New year’s resolutions” only to last about time for renewal fees or the next birthday party with a delicious chocolate cake?
So, the bottom line is: don’t be surprised to see people make loud, public statements of change and then decry them if they should not be able to sustain their excitement and pledge. The best course for any of us begins with a simple realization that in fact there IS something we can do to improve ourselves, and then to actually take steps towards achieving that troth. It doesn’t always have to be something HUGE – just 1% here and there, and before long…you are there!