Transitions
Posted by revdonc on July 1, 2008
One of my friends who recently graduated from Berea College was sharing the anxiety he is feeling after graduating from college. This is such an intense and often frightening and bewildering time in life. I well remember the feelings of loneliness as I moved from Virginia to DC and into an apartment with Mother, discouragement because employers weren’t beating my door down to hire me, and frustration that things should have been easier. My response was to enroll in graduate school at Howard University. It wasn’t the school for me but it lead me to Washington University so I know God was ordering my steps.
Transitions are never easy. It’s somewhat like driving on an unfamiliar highway. When you see a bend in the road up ahead you’re never quite sure what to make of it. You know you have to move forward but there is sometimes trepidation about that corner. Will you meet one of those huge trucks that seem to take up both lanes? Will there be a steep hill that makes your heart go thump? Is there a drunk driver just waiting to push you off the freeway? Your mind can imagine all kinds of problems if you let it run away. But you have a choice in periods of transition. Sure, there is a possibility that things might not go as smoothly as you hope. But, it is also possible that the bend is hiding a beautiful vista that you would never see if you didn’t keep moving forward. I find myself at a place of transition and this same choice is mine. Yesterday marked the last day of my period as Department Chair, a position I’ve held for seven years. I can choose to consider all of the negative possibilities around this next bend. That has unfortunately been my attitude in many seasons of my life. OR I can choose to see this as a tremendous opportunity for God to show out! I’m expecting beautiful vistas just around this bend.
It is normal to have feelings of trepidation during life’s transitions. Acknowledge the feeling and then pass it on to God who promised never to leave you nor forsake you. Take a deep breath and keep moving.
David Scimonelli said
I appreciate your words. I have dealt with many periods of transition, especially in my adult life. I was fortunate in my transition from undergrad studies at UD that the transition was staggered but when the day finally came to move to Bloomington for grad school, I didn’t know what to expect. It seems that every time I’ve moved to a new place in my education, I have felt very alone and not known one person in the new town I was heading to. The feeling of leaving a comfort zone and everything you’ve come to know is scary, but one way or another, God helps you find your way if you are open to his guidance. I’m quickly approaching another transition as I am finishing grad school. No more degrees to get, time for (more of) the real world. I’m nervous, but my patience has paid off in the past and I know the big man has my back. I have an idea of what I want to do and accomplish, but I’ve learned my lesson before not to nail down too many details, because that’s when something major changes and God gives you the chance to handle adversity in the search for an even better outcome than you had planned.
revdonc said
David, you are so wise. I loved the last part of what you’ve written about not nailing down so many details. It is appropriate to make plans for our lives. In fact, it is imperative and being a good stewart of the life God has given us. Yet, it’s also critical to not be so locked into your way of doing things that you are not flexible to go another way if that’s what God chooses.