There is a paragraph in an old novel called “The Finishing School” that says: “There are two kinds of people in life. One, you can just tell by looking at them at what point in life they congealed into their final self. They might be young or old, it might be a very nice self, but you know you cannot expect any more growth from it. The other kind of person keeps moving forward, growing, and the forward motion keeps him young. You must constantly be on your guard against congealing.” I have never thought of the word congealing in any connection except salad, but it can apply to people as well. We’ve all known people who are living completely in the past, and either buried in grief or still living the moments of happiness they enjoyed in former days to the extent that they are missing the joys of the present. We have seen people so angry that they have sealed off their own emotions and much of the joy of life. When change and interruption appear in our journey there is a natural instinct to feel afraid, resistant, and even resentful. But surely the One who said, “I am with you always,” is with us through every period of our lives giving us the ability to meet all new experiences with courage, to accept new visions, to assume new duties, and perhaps dream new dreams, however frightening it may seem to us at the time. So don’t congeal. Keep moving forward. God always has a brand new tomorrow for those who follow Him.
– Dr. Tim Thompson