Transition. Almost everyone I know is experiencing it. It’s just a part of life. Things change, right?
You might be welcoming your first baby into the world, or seeing your last “baby” off to college.
It can be a euphemism used when you lose your job or choose to change jobs. “I’m in transition.”
It might involve a cross-country move, or a move from an apartment into your first real home.
My husband and I are in a major season of transition – out of ministry at the church where we’ve served for 30 years, and into…something God hasn’t made completely clear yet.
In times of change, it’s easy to major on what we’re losing. And sure, it’s appropriate to grieve. That’s part of the process, But these days I’m trying to focus on these verses from Romans 8:15-17
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.
During a different season of change years ago, a mentor of mine said, “Laura, imagine you’re a trapeze artist, high above a circus ring. You’re swinging, swinging, and the next trapeze floats into sight. You know you need to reach out and grab it, but in order to do that, you have to let go of the bar you’re holding onto. If you try to hold onto both the past and the future, you’ll be like a turkey wishbone pulled apart at Thanksgiving.” (Mixed metaphors, but you get the idea, right?)
In one sense I get it. This is true to a degree. But I’d like to tweak it a little. I suggest that if we hold on to any circumstances of life – clinging to, or pining for “this” perfect situation, or “that”, we’ll be perpetually fearful and disappointed. If instead, the one constant we cling to is our “Abba” we will always be secure, assured of His good plans for us.
Easier said than done! This month I am trying to hold only to Jesus, celebrating His goodness and faithfulness over the past 30 years, and trusting Him with an attitude that is “adventurously expectant” for what’s ahead.
What about you? Where are you in transition?
I pray this song is encouraging to you, as it is to me. I love the refrain at the end. “I’m holding on to You, Lord. You’re holding on to me.”
Laura,
I think of you so often and ponder the ways that you must be saying farewell. Your identity as the “pastor’s wife” will soon come to a closure — not a term that leads one to the peace it sometimes promises. Your roles as Christian, wife, mother, mentor and teacher will continue and your faith will continue to shine to everyone who knows you.
I just celebrated my 80th birthday with a lovely gathering of family to mark the occasion. My roles are changing of necessity due to the advancing deterioration of an 80 year old body. Contemplating the changes: new choices accommodating the physical limitations, new choices in my business, giving up my work at the grocery store, no longer driving in the dark. All these changes seem huge but the benefit of needing to take more time to rest and recuperate leads me to more time for contemplation of God’s blessings.
God has blessed me over and over again during the 80 years and today I look forward to the surprises He has in store for me in the future.
Thank you Nila! Press on, sister!
It feels like so many things are changing: at work, at church, in my family, and in my friendships. I don’t know what God is doing but this post was encouraging. That song is beautiful. Thank you.
So glad you were encouraged, Lara. Praying for you now. May you feel the security of being held by the Lord and you hold on to Him.
This past spring I started putting together my thoughts and study around “liminal space.” Look it up. At the time it was to help my husband and I understand the intention behind his early retirement and other transitions. Who knew? God knew! It would be me who needed to understand the purpose of this middle land we find ourselves in.
And that song!! A keeper, for sure.
Yes! The space between now and not yet…The thin space between heaven and earth.