Change happens in the blink of an eye.
That split second stroke of a pen. A clock's steady tick-tock. The shrill, heart-stopping sound of our phone in the middle of the night. A calendar page flipped. That long-dreaded farewell.
These steady visitors to our lives, so deeply yearned for or completely unbidden, can linger on. And on.
We've all experienced those seasons that range from mildly discombobulating all the way up to the numbing, excruciating grief of a severed relationship, a death, an abandoning. A financial upheaval, a health crisis. A betrayal, a relocation, a denial.
And the endless waiting spaces in the midst of it all that can leave us a little worse for wear.
And then there are the transitions that breathe fresh life, that kick off brand-new routines, that open doors to long dreamed of opportunities that wait around the next corner. These are the graces that let you know that the earth keeps spinning, that life goes on, that all will be well.
I don't know what you're transitioning from. Or into.
Many of us tend to be harsh taskmasters ... not necessarily with others, but with ourselves. We too easily race forward without considering where we've come from or what we've been through.
Unfinished business lies in our wake. We don't take a breath to reflect on the ramifications of what has happened to us or in us. We haven't taken the opportunity to glean truth from our experiences or seek the counsel of those a few steps ahead on the journey.
Or sit quietly to discern what our precious Savior is whispering to us in our frantic hearts.
Fear of missing the boat causes our minds to become unfocused. We tend to react hastily to all that's coming at us, instead of choosing to prayerfully respond. Fear is a lousy foundation for decision making, leaving us stressed, confused, disappointed, and frustrated.
Half the time we don't even know where we're going or why we've chosen to head there. And we wonder why we start to get crispy as we begin to burn out along the way.
When someone gives us a gift, it usually brings us a gratitude-laced joy. Grace and space are gracious gifts that Christ offers us. In showing ourselves that merciful lovingkindness needed to transition well, we begin to breathe easier. We honor Christ as we pray and search the Scriptures. We allow the Spirit to lead the way at His pace, not ours.
And in the process, our faith expands, our emotional health grows, our decision making process becomes more purposeful. That 'peace that passes understanding' begins to reign. We don't burn bridges, miss quiet opportunities, or lose out on unexpected invitations.
Move forward? Yes.
Follow the Leader. He'll take you where He wants you to be, one step at a time.
Be prepared to be amazed.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3: 5-6
Do you have a transition story to tell?
Linda
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My wife would like me to transition to retirement. :) But I (and she also) don't think I would transition very well at all. Moving a lot over the years has helped transitioning be smoother for me. Plus I tend to go with the flow. I feel for those who have trouble with change.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think my husband would transition well either, Bill. But slowly but surely he pulled back to part time ... and stuck to those hours even though I was sure he'd work right back up to 40+ hours all over again.
DeleteWorking part time for a season eased him into retirement and allowed him to begin volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. And there was no looking back, no regrets ...
Whether we realize it or not, we are ALWAYS in some type of transition. It may be unnoticeable & moving at a snails pace OR happen so quickly that that it makes your head spin. Either way, lean into Christ & enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteBarb, you said it all when you wrote, 'lean into Christ.' Therein is our peace and joy even in the craziness of times.
Delete'Jesus, take the wheel!'
Linda, wise words! We often view transitions as negative, but they are actually doorways into a new beginning and a pathway to growth. Though not always pleasant we reap the rewards of change when we follow the Leader....
ReplyDeleteThose images of doorways and pathways are so calming, aren't they ...
DeleteTransitions are a natural part of living, Linda. Sometimes we won't even realize that we're in the midst of one until we take time to regroup and reflect. May Jesus always be the One to guide us through all the changes and new chapters in our lives.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
You're so right, Martha, sometimes we don't even know we're right in the middle of a transition. And that might be a very good thing ...
DeleteTransitions, they just happen,
ReplyDeletelife works out that way,
but I be just a-snappin'
my fingers through the day,
be-boppin' to the happy beat
that's tappin' in my skull,
and my quick-steppin' dancin' feet
do show my joy be full,
'cause Jesus Christ, He be the same
from now until forever,
and I will hang on to His name
through all the changin' weather
that blows good, or blows real ill,
'cause the Lord my heart do fill.
Hey pal, it sounds like you're doing a bit better these days, all that a-snappin', be-boppin', quick-steppin dancin' going on!
DeleteI'm celebrating every good day with you and Barb ...
Transitions are never easy, but they aren't always bad either :) Some transitions are for our good and bring about something beautiful in the days that follow. May I follow the One who holds all of my days in His hands.
ReplyDeleteYour gentle observation that God can do something beautiful in the days that follow transitions is balm for the weary soul, Joanne. Thanks for going there this evening.
DeleteI can't help believing that someone will read your tender words and be encouraged.
Now and then I think about transition, but rarely. Life seems day to day till someone gets ill and dies or is restricted. I've had my share, but they are just life, another step, another chapter. Some are harder than others but we just buckle up and move on, sometimes with strategy, sometimes without. But usually, always forward.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Jeanie! Often we don't think about transitions because we're neck deep in living them out!
DeleteI tried to answer earlier but my computer went down! Love your post and your words of I don't know what you're transitioning from. Or into. was dead on for me to read today. Trusting the Lord and leaning not on my own understanding for sure. Have a great rest of the week dear Linda. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI'm glad something here met you where you are today, friend. Please know that you are not alone ...
DeleteFollow the leader one step at a time. I am all about one step at a time, even if it is a tip-toe! I'm in a career transition right now--at the very beginning as don't know what I'll be doing, and even how to proceed back into the job market (go temp, re-train, dive in full-time, try a new industry...all questions still). But, as you write, transitions allow our faith to grow. I appreciate your words, Linda! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTip-toe! Yes, I hear what you're saying, Lynn. May God clearly illuminate your next step. And then the one after that. One day at a time.
DeleteHow good to know that He's got this! Looking forward to seeing how He guides you into your future. You are a gifted woman, indeed.
I came upon this post again today, Linda, and needed to read it again. I'd fallen into "harsh taskmaster", panic even! Your words are full of His wisdom, my friend!
DeleteOh friend, I'm so sorry about the panic. Breathe deep my friend, maybe a bit of a break this weekend? You're in my prayers in the days ahead.
DeleteHe knows where He wants you. May you see all the random pieces fall into a beautiful place.
Hugs.
Everyday after school it seemed my children were grouchy. Not wanting to answer questions, they withdrew into their on space. After 30 minutes to an hour, the sweet child I dropped off at school that morning would reappear. My sweet counselor friend finally explained to me one day they were having to transition from school to home. BINGO!
ReplyDeleteLife is filled with transitions. We have to allow ourselves grace to adjust and then take the next step.
GREAT TOPIC, My Friend!
Don't you just love those BINGO moments?!
DeleteYour words remind me that until we can freely give grace to ourselves, it'll be hard to offer that gift in all its fullness to others.
Such beautiful words of wisdom, as always, sweet friend. You always have such a way of refreshing my spirit, and I always leave here feeling encouraged and renewed. I am so very thankful for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm always glad when you're here, Cheryl.
DeleteAlways!
;-}
... the times they are a-changin’ ...
ReplyDeleteTrust in God with every step.
God bless.
Ain't that the truth. That God doesn't change 'like shifting shadows' is a huge comfort, isn't it ...
DeleteWhat a great post! So many changes for me right about now, and I've been consciously breathing through all of them -not rushing ahead, as you so aptly described. Trying hard to be here. Right here. In this moment. Was it my nana who always said, "Tomorrow will take care of itself?" I don't remember. Still, today's where I am and where I live right now. I don't think I've ever been more full of faith that the path I'm to take will present itself. Thank for for the wonderful transition into my day today!
ReplyDeleteI was happy happy when I saw that you are blogging again, Barbara. Yours are the posts I linger over, re-read again, sit and savor. I've never skimmed through even one. Your words are calming and quiet and reflective.
DeleteDid I say how happy I am that you're back?
;-}
There are always life changes, I just want to follow my Leader. Thank you for your uplifting and encouraging posts!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I just want to follow my Leader, too. We encourage each other on, the way it should be ...
DeleteWhat a timely post! At the office, we're transitioning into a hybrid workspace. Our department is downsizing space so I'm in the process of cleaning and packing up my old office to move into a shared workspace. I'm still working remotely, but hope to return to my new shared workstation in the new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit!
Oh that's so interesting, Margie. Do you think this is going to become the norm for many offices? How does this impact your work life?
DeleteFascinating ...
Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteReading in Boston airport on my way home from visit with adorable grandson (and his parents). This summer has been a continual tutorial in transition, but the still center holds. Thanks be to God.
Yes, you've had so many family milestones, joyous ones, stacked one on top of the other! What a year. And yes, I hear you about finding The Solid Rock, stable and unchanging, to be our anchor.
Delete'My anchor holds.'
Transitions....scary, beautiful, risky, hopeful...so many things wrapped up into one that can bring meaningful growth. Yes, I'm thinking through some these days and it's filling me with anticipation. It feels good to think of possibilities. You are a thoughtful encourager. You are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it kind of exciting that this transitional season is one for hope and anticipation, even in the midst of uncertainty? What a difference a year makes.
DeleteThank You, Jesus.
And thank you, Debby, for continuing to walk side by side with me through it all. I treasure your wise, authentic presence in my life.
Linda, Wow! Thank you for this blessed lesson. “ Fear of missing the boat causes our minds to become unfocused” isn’t that the truth indeed. I love your insights here. It took me years but I now think of transition seasons as God redirecting me. I may not know his plan at first but I eventually get it. Blessings.
ReplyDelete~Selah ~
Paula, I love how you've re-defined transition as 'God directing me.' Therein lies the peace, the hope, the confidence! Thanks for sharing this insight with us ...
DeleteAhhh, Linda. This post is a breath of fresh air for this slightly frazzled soul. I need to re-read it and take in the wisdom in your words. So much going on this summer for our family. So little time to process it. So many things pulling at my time and energy. Yes, I needed these words.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanne, yes, you've had a frazzling summer for sure. And now with school beginning for the boys? And all that's coming at you.
DeleteHe whispers, 'peace be still' to us. I am so grateful ... and am praying that for you right this very moment.
Thanks so much, friend!
DeleteI hope this weekend has had restful moments for you.
DeleteWonderful wisdom here, Linda! I could have used that "grace and space" advice years ago as my pastor husband was assigned to a different church in a different community six times. Three were especially difficult. In hindsight I can see the benefits and blessings that resulted from those transitions, but had I been able to give myself grace and space, those days prior and after the moves would have been easier to bear, I think.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Nancy. I can't imagine how jarring and unsettling that season was for you, even as you followed what you believed God was calling you to.
DeleteYou're right, when we're in the middle of these kinds of scenarios, who can think of giving ourselves a break, some grace, needed space. If only I knew then what I know now, right?
you identified so many of the emotions about this topic, Linda. I said once to a spiritual director at a retreat that I was amazed how many attendee were going through a change. Her answer? All of us are going through transition all the time - we just don't realize it. Interesting and well written!
ReplyDeleteShe's one wise woman (and you're another!), Jean. How might we live our lives differently if we saw how true her observation is.
Delete'All of us are going through transition all the time - we just don't realize it.'
Amen.
Happy weekend
ReplyDeleteYou, too, friend ...
DeleteLinda, I feel like I’ve been in transitional mode for the last two years or more, even as actual transitions keep on coming. Like this week, for example, when we took Lilly back to college Monday and Molly started her junior year today. I’ve learned enough to know not to expect too much of myself for a few days during these shifts, and to trust that God will guide me as I delve back into projects that have been simmering on the back burner for a while. It was a blessing to read this post this particular week, my friend … I needed to remember that God will take me where He wants me to be, I just need to follow His directions.
ReplyDelete'I’ve learned enough to know not to expect too much of myself for a few days during these shifts ...'
DeleteAin't that the truth. Not doing so leads to all kinds of maladies and problems which could have been avoided.
May this be a smooth, peaceful transition for you, friend.
Yes, so many transitions of late in my own life. Some I love, some I don't. Jeff hopes to retire next year. It will be a huge transition for us!
ReplyDeleteYep, retirement is a huge one. I hope you're able to ease into it, that it won't be jarring or unsettling.
Delete