Transitions in Life
Life seemed much simpler when I was a child. Our neighborhood bustled with children. We felt comfortable going from home to home during the day, checking in sporadically with our parents. Parents knew everyone in the neighborhood and on summer nights they sat in lawn chairs on the neighbor’s lawn, watching the children play hide-and-seek or catch fireflies. As the time drew closer to bath time, my parents folded their chairs and made their way into the house, calling out to me. I never felt ready to end the evening but in obedience I waved goodbye to my friends and headed into the house.
When the school year began and the weather was nice, I walked about a mile to the elementary school with my older sister. After school, if mom could not pick me up, I made the long trek home alone because my sister had to stay later than I did. Sometimes, I stopped at the fire station halfway home. If the men on shift were not busy, the large garage doors to the fire trucks were open and the firemen sat talking in their lawn chairs.
I made a habit of stopping when I saw them. The fireman would pull out a chair, grab me a drink, and hand over a jar filled with candy, telling me not to eat too much. At this time in my life, my dad traveled a lot and these men were like surrogate dads to me. I told them all about my exciting day at school and they acted interested as I rattled on and on. On one occasion I drew a picture of the fire station with the men sitting in their chairs. When I happily presented it to them, they proudly taped it to the wall of the fire station. To this day I can barely draw recognizable stick figures, so I can’t imagine what my drawing looked like when I was only seven years old!
Now before you pass judgement on my parents for not supervising me, please remember times were different back then. Let me reassure you, they were very much on top of my safety. Our neighbors watched out for everyone’s children and my parents secretly made a point of knowing these firemen personally.
At my age, I had no idea if the firemen were believers in Jesus. Yet they displayed the kindness and love of Jesus to me. On days I was upset, they sympathized with me (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). If I succeeded in class, they cheered for me (Zephaniah 3:17). They encouraged me to do my best and be kind to those who needed help (1Thessalonians 5:11). They told me to always respect my parents (Ephesians 6:1-3). Sometimes the hours passed so quickly that my mother had to call the fire station and tell them to send me on my way. Little did I know one of the firemen always watched me walk home until I was close to my neighborhood (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
A few years later, transition came into my life. My parents moved our family to another area of town where I attended a new school. A few days before our move, my mother drove me to the fire station to say goodbye to my friends. I hugged them tightly and cried painful tears. I knew those hugs would probably be the last ones. These very special men imparted wisdom, encouragement, comfort, advice and precious memories to me as a second-grade little girl. Emotionally, it was hard to let go. They had become like second fathers to me, and I had grown to love them. They were my friends and I would miss them terribly. After one last hug, I got into the car. Sniffing and peering out the window, I waved good-bye, a void as big as Texas in my heart.
As I reflect on these memories, I realize transition is a constant in our lives: schools, jobs, marriage, children, grandchildren, friendships, moving, death of loved ones, retirement, our aging bodies (ugh), health issues, and so on. These are transitional seasons of stretching and growing that we must learn to navigate with grace.
“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP
“And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” —2 Corinthians 9:8 NASB
Even though we may not like uncomfortable transitions, these turns in the road strengthen our faith and trust in the Lord. He never leaves us and is always with us. People will come into and out of our lives, but God is the One who never changes. He always stays true to His word and keeps His promises. As Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Seeking Him in our transitions can ease the discomfort and help us find a purpose for the next season ahead of us. When we bring Him our losses and insecurities, He helps carry our burdens. When we are down, His presence gives us hope. When we feel alone, He holds our hands; and when we are anxious, He blesses us with peace.
“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippines 4:19 ESV
We will always have transitions. Therefore, let’s not allow our emotions to become downcast. Instead let’s grasp the challenge, let go of our anxieties, and be confident that God is always in control.
“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.”
—Psalm 3:3 NLT
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28 NIV
Let’s pray:
Lord, thank You for always being available and giving me security during the transitional changes in my life. As I walk through these times, You are the best at encouraging and listening, wiping away my tears, loving me, and pouring out wisdom. I love Your spiritual hugs throughout the day and your unending grace. Help me embrace all that You have for me without fear and walk in confidence that you will work all things together for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
