This Weekend + thoughts on embracing transition

embracing-transition

This weekend finds me in an interesting place. It will be a weekend of organizing, packing, letting go of one relationship, in order to open myself up to new ones. It’s never a fun thing to do, but will keep my weekend rather full. I know that I will be stretched to learn how to love without condition in greater measure, to bless while having healthy boundaries, and to seek restoration through prayer. As I pack up the boxes, and remind myself that this too will pass. Life is full of change, this one being much needed, but how we respond shows our true character.

(On a positive note: I’m excited for what the house is going to look like once it will all be done! Lots of work and DIYs will go into it over the new few months, allow for a mental fresh start, making my community house feel safe, comfortable, and like a home again.)

Over the years, life has seemed to have this ebb and flow of transition. People, places, and careers have changed, but the beast of change has always been there. Some seasons have had natural endings and transitions, while others have been more abrupt and painful to go through. I find myself in this tension. I am always longing for change in others, longing to be a conduit of positive change in the world and those around me, but when it comes to change for myself, it typically cringe and would rather deal with anything else.

A few month ago at church, my pastor was teaching on transition and change. Through his words, I found myself encouraged. Change in life is inevitable, but it is how we respond that shows what our faith is truly made of. As he spoke, I began to find my heart and mind at ease again. In his humorous delivery, I was reminded that how we respond to change and process is not only vital, but affects how we respond to the next place, season, or moment we are going. Change is hard because it affects our identity, our comfort, our position, and our personal economies. How we respond to change reinforces the promises and dreams placed upon our lives and moves us forward. While this weekend, will be full of change and transition that no one would be excited about, I’m reminded that am loved so much, that my Father would never want me to stay as I am for the next 80 years.

Because of this, during my weekend I will fight for joy. It may happen in dance parties while packing, goofy 80’s playlists full of Cyndi Lauper, late night marathon cleaning sessions, and occasional breaks to keep some mental clarity. There might even be a chorus of  “happy birthday” thrown in there to celebrate a 27th year for me.

How do you respond to transition and change?

What are the ways that you fight for joy?

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