Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Life
by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
(Putnam, 1998)

How do people deal with change? When is change viewed as a positive thing, and when is it negative? What happens to people when they don't understand the fundamental nature of change? These are a few of the questions that Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese? addresses.

This simple parable follows the adventures of four characters -- Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw as they deal with change. Sniff is the seeker, always expecting change and moving forward to find alternatives. Scurry is constantly moving, never too dismayed by change because he creates as much change as he encounters. Hem is a character prone to wait and see -- never impressed by change and much too cautious to want it. Haw, a thinker, finally realizes that change is inevitable and that only by learning to change with change can true happiness be found.

These caricatures help us see ourselves as we respond to change in a variety of ways. Change is scary. Change is painful. Change is difficult. Being changed is less fun than deciding to change. Change is. Whether we like it or not, changing is not a choice; it is merely the way things are.

Spencer Johnson doesn't disclose any profound truths about change. There is nothing in this book that you don't already know; and therein lies its power. This is a tale that everyone will relate to. It is universal in scope, simple in message, and true for us all. In every organization where change is occurring (which means all organizations), this story is pertinent and should be shared widely.

Many of us might not appreciate being equated with "littlepeople" or "mice in a maze"; but the fact is, our actions speak louder than our preferences. We act like the characters in this story in so many ways. Change does distress us. We do resist change and attempt to live in a sphere of denial that helps us cope with the losses we perceive. We do waste our time pining for what has been instead of seeking ways to make what is more meaningful and secure. Change will never be easy, but understanding why change is both hard and necessary can make the transitions we face more palatable.

The church is reeling in the wake of monumental cultural and ecclesial change. Will we deny it? Will we resist it? Or will we adopt the attitude of Jesus Christ who moved into the ever-changing world in the power of the Spirit of God to meet each challenge head on? Will we, with courage, find the new ways to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to a world that doesn't do things "the same old way"? Will we simply shout, "It's not fair!" when things don't go the way we think they should; or will we find a way to model graceful change to a world that is looking for help? These are some of the questions that will arise with the reading of Who Moved My Cheese? And the answers that will follow as you discuss it will amaze you.

DDan R. Dick is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.

(originally posted March 29, 1999)

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