Transition

Transition

Our nation is in a time of transition.  One president has left office and another administration has assumed leadership of our country. A different political party is in control and responsible for the leadership and direction of our nation for at least the next two years. Whether you are saddened or happy about the prospect of new leadership, the fact is that change is coming.

Living well requires us to handle transition or change well. This is true in all areas of our life. Think about some of the transitions you have already survived. You and I have transitioned from being a baby to being an adult. I’m sure some of our parents wondered if we would make it through those turbulent teenage years, but with their love and patience and God’s grace we did!

I, like you, have had difficulty with some of my transitional times.  I was an emotional wreck when my first child left home but I adjusted to the reality that God’s plan is for parents to give our kids roots and wings and to celebrate their independence, often through our tears.  And, I continue to face the challenges life throws at me.

Someone has observed, “The only thing that doesn’t change in life is the fact that things change.” Well, that may be true to a large degree but not entirely accurate. But what can we do to ensure that we come through these transition times with our sanity and soul intact?

Whatever the challenges you face, I believe we can live faithfully by doing the following:

First, I must face the reality of whatever challenge I’m dealing with. Denial is not the solution. To deny that my body is going through physical change or that life will be the same when I move from the house I’ve loved for years is a sure formula for getting stuck in an unproductive and stagnant place.

Second, I need to size up the reality of my situation, decide a course of attitude and action and move ahead. When change knocks at my door, I will answer it and act responsibly in the things I can do.

Finally, I will rely on the fact that my God does not change. He is the Unchangeable, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the God and Father of my Lord, Jesus Christ. I will live in the promise of Psalm 46:1-2: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…”

May God find you faithful in the challenges your transition s bring your way.