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TRANSITION
“The time has come the walrus said”…a quote that was one of a family members favorite sayings. And the time now has come to transition from celebrating a season of Thanksgiving to shift to one of celebrating Christmas. (Although Thanksgiving is never just about a day in November but of daily remembrances of God’s blessings received and those to come.)
Jan and I are hosting a gathering/reunion of our “HOW” (Hearts of Women”).group this next week. “HOW” was a group of precious friends whose husbands had passed away and who met at my house for several years. It was an eclectic group of ladies who had that one heartbreak in common but who became united through a sense of encouragement, wisdom, fellowship and love….and dinner too!
The stories of HOW they came to be a part of this group were all God ordained. Jan and I watched and listened as God guided us through his lessons that Jan prepared, but we also were amazed as we watched the friendships grow and HOW the spirit of the Lord was reflected in words and deeds as spoken from their hearts.
This was a time of transition for sure, for change had hit hard. So as I think of seeing these precious friend again after a few years have passed I know their transitions have taken many a twist and have probably launched them into various activities that, even they, did not have any idea were part of God’s plan. So upon reflection, this is a redo summary of one of the lessons that was taught, and might pertain to some of you who have had changes that have shaken your life.
For so very long I have considered the words "transition" and "change" to be interchangeable. I have learned through research they are not. To give a very simple explanation: "change" is external whereas "transition" is internal. Change is when circumstances are altered, sometimes as a planned agenda but many times it is something that turns a planned agenda on its head without warning or notice. Transition is the process of dealing with the change that has been thrown our way.
The following quote by William Bridges in his book "Making Sense of Life's Changes" states:"Transition is psychological; Change is situational. IN his book he suggests the following:
Endings-It is hard to let go of the past but in an effort to embrace the new, it is ineffable. This “change” (whatever it may be…a new job, the loss of a loved one, a financial dilemma, a health issue, moving to a new location, a broken relationship , etc) is an area that is defined...it has already happened. It is a certainty! And though memories are precious and to be embraced, we also have to be able to move forward and not stay stuck in what has been, so that we can look ahead as to what is to come.
Neutral Zone-This is when people begin to explore their comfort with the new change. This is the area that is ambiguous, unsure of what is to come and having to trust that there is something to come that will continue to strengthen our hearts and build our character. This is where you learn to manage ambiguity. This is a tough spot because we tend to go back and hang on to the past because it is familiar and comfortable, instead of reaching out to the future where new beginnings lie. It takes courage to move from this zone to the HOPE phase.
Beginnings-People begin to embrace the new change. This is the area of hope of new and better things.
So I dug a little further and found the following: an article originally published in Deacon Magazine by Marvin Owen that seems to me to be a valuable 5 step tool for transitioning to any change, be it great or small. I loved this because God's word is presented as a foundation for each principle; all beginning with a "P". (That tiny trick of same letter beginnings so helps my tiny little brain retain good info.)
1. Prayer
"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6).
The most beneficial discipline to calm the spirit and prepare us for what needs to be done is prayer. It's the spiritual resource we often neglect. Through prayer, we cry out to God and seek to understand His will. Through prayer, we ask for His power to obey even when we don't have all the details.
When we're tempted to worry and complain, we make our requests known to God. We pray for His peace, "which surpasses every thought," to guard our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7). Prayer keeps our focus where it should be - on God, His desire for our lives, and His protection and guidance. Let's make prayer a daily priority, even during seasons of transition.
2. Planning
"Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved" (Prov. 16:3).
It's always best to plan and organize according to God's will. We don't allow ourselves to fall in the trap of busy work. As we seek God's will through prayer, Bible study, and wise counsel from other Christians, we can write in a journal or notebook what we hear Him saying. Planning will help us prioritize and keep our focus on God-given goals during times of transition.
3. People
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time" (Prov. 17:17)
Others can and should be a significant source of help. When we call on friends during transitions, we often will find the encouragement we need and expertise we didn't know others have. This significantly lowers our stress levels. When we're faced with a time of transition, instead of being overwhelmed, we can contact friends, neighbors, or relatives who will be willing to assist. Frequently, others who are part of a Sunday School class or church are glad to have the opportunity to help. Let's not deny them the blessing, thinking we don't want to seem "needy." All will be richly blessed as ministry is given and received.
4. Perspective "God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble" (Ps. 46:1).
We need to take a fresh look at God and His Word, not at the present circumstances. We must not become discouraged or disheartened when times are especially hard. Life may be hectic and harried. There may be difficult and painful days ahead, but God is in control. He can bring good out of the most difficult, painful, or confusing circumstances (Rom. 8:28). In times of transition, God's peace can comfort our hearts. God's perspective can encourage us as we remember, "Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning" (Ps. 30:5b).
5. Perseverance “If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited" (Prov. 24:10) We must never give up hope, no matter what! There will be days of adversity for all of us. But God can do in our lives what we could never do.
When we feel overcome, weary, or defeated, we need to remind ourselves that it's not our strength that counts, but God's. He loves His children. And though He doesn't remove all the problems of life, He is with us as He takes us through them. As He guides, we will experience triumph in the midst of transition.
The transition from who we are to who we are meant to be is often challenging and fearful but it's part of the process to produce the change we are meant to ultimately experience and enjoy.
As I write this devotional, I am reminded that life changes are inevitable, every day and in many ways, but God is the Holy entity and person who never changes. His love enfolds each of us in ways we will never comprehend.
Christ can love us no more or no less, for he loves each of us at HIS full capacity. And his blessings of power and strength, courage, forgiveness and accessibility are never ending. (I love that word accessibility...clearly that was one word God wanted in this as it came to mind right before I completed that sentence).
Jesus is there to help each of us transition to the changes that life throws our way, and for so many, those changes are often times devastating.
I don't know where you are on your walk with the Lord, some of you may never have given God a chance to be your guide and lifelong friend, but I know that you are welcomed in his kingdom and favored as his child. Just knock, and ask Him and he will open his doors and present you with;
His presence,
His power and
His purpose. (3 "P's)
I pray, my dear friends that these words and ideas will in some way encourage, empower, calm, motivate, strengthen or comfort you .....and I pray that your days be filled with blessings and your hearts with love. I pray too that whatever changes you experience on your journey this day and those to come, that God will guide you gently with his wisdom and peacefully see you through the transition. Amen
For greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4.
Enjoy these days ahead as we celebrate the birth of Christ…and continue with thanksgiving
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
All past emails can be found at: Cathyjodeit.com (Contents Page)
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