Who moved my cheese?

Who moved my cheese?

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Deut 8:1

Each of us has dreams and longings for what is good and what is better. Certainly this desire brings Shawnee Mission Medical Center’s associates to the ministry of health care and service. It fuels our desire to keep striving for the best in all we are and all we do.

When the “better” arrives, when the “good” appears do we always recognize it and embrace it as we might hope? Or, sometimes do we find that we are a bit resistant because it is different?

The children of Israel longed for their freedom from captivity and to experience the “Promised Land” for 400 years. When their dream of freedom was realized; however, some of them resisted and complained because everything was different. Some even longed for the “old” ways of captivity.

This week at SMMC we are experiencing the unfolding of a dream that has been talked about for many years but now is a reality. We ask our associates to think about the challenges they might face with things new or different and prepare your heart to be open, learning, joyful and encouraging.

Who Moved My Cheese?, written by Spencer Jonson, M.D., is the story of four characters living in a “Maze” who face unexpected change when they discover their “Cheese” has disappeared. Sniff and Scurry, and Hem and Haw, mice sized little people, each adapt to change in their “Maze” differently. In fact, one doesn’t adapt at all...

This timeless allegory reveals profound truths about individuals and organizations dealing with change. We each live in a “Maze,” a metaphor for the companies or organizations we work with, the communities we live in, the families we love – places where we look for the “Cheese,” the things we want in life. It may be an enjoyable career, loving relationships or spiritual peace of mind.

With time and experience, one character succeeds and even prospers with the change in the “Maze.” In an effort to share what he learned along the way, Haw records his discoveries on the maze walls – the “Handwriting on the Wall.”

Likewise, when we begin to see the “writing on the wall,” we discover the simplicity and necessity of adapting to change. Here is what he wrote:

1. Change happens – The cheese always moves
2. Anticipate Change - Get ready for the next change
3. Monitor the change – Smell the cheese often so you know when it is old
4. Adapt to Change quickly – let go of the Old so you can enjoy the New
5. Change – Move, don’t wait. Lead and help others adapt
6. Enjoy Change –savor the adventure, enjoy the new experience
7. Be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again – Keep your eyes on the cheese.

As you experience change of any type, keep these points in mind and remember that you are not alone!

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thess 5:11

Blessings to each of you as you bless others this week!

Peter Bath, D.Min.
V.P Spiritual Wellness & Human Development
Shawnee Mission Medical Center