How to Really Live in a Time of Transition

I’m in a time of transition, I wrote to a friend the other day.

Some big changes are coming, and I thought “transition” sounded like a much nicer way to say “change.”

I’ve never been good at change. I like things the way they are, and the possibility of things changing makes me, well, scared, if I’m really honest.

Three years ago I was in a time of transition, too. I had quickly, surprisingly, said yes to the chance to teach again—something I was pretty sure I would never do after taking five years away from the classroom. But the question was asked and out poured the word: “Yes.”

I was surprised by the transition, how easy it was, and this, I believe, because of how God-ordained it was. And because I knew in my heart that this is what God wanted me to do, I kept my eyes open, looking for what He had for me there, both to do and to receive.

And what He had for me to do was to pour into people. Students, mainly, who needed a friend or a listening ear. Colleagues who became friends.

This surprised me, too.

Reflecting on it now, going back to work had very little to do with teaching and a whole lot to do with ministering. 

What God also had for me was blessing upon blessing, also unexpected.

These past three years could have simply passed by had I chosen to live in the status quo. All would have been well; my life would have been consistent only in its lack of change.

It wouldn’t have been scary.

But three years ago I said yes, and I’m so glad I did.

What I’ve learned over these three years is that searching for God’s will in our lives, opening our eyes and our hearts to whatever He has in store, is so much better than the status quo.

Now I’m saying yes again—to uncertainty, to letting go. I don’t know what the future will look like after school ends in May, but I do know that God has something else for me. I’m keeping my eyes, ears, and heart open to whatever that might be.

Finally, for the first time in my life, I’m excited about the transition.