It is almost November and the leaves are starting to turn; they sing as they hit the ground. It is a beautiful time of the year. Today is particularly warm, and I am loving the opportunity to sit outside and read. This beautiful changing of seasons makes me reflect on the transition that has happened in my life the last few months. I have gone through a lot of change, and I am preparing my heart for more change in the coming weeks. I am certainly in transition! It seems a contradiction that every transition of my life is marked with the sadness of losing my summer leaves, followed by the blessing of a new branch added to my life tree.

For those of us who are in the TCK world, transition is a bittersweet word. Part of our existence depends on transition. We need to be able to move and change. We get excited about the opportunity for our life to be radically changing. It is part of who we are. However, there is another part of us that realizes with transition comes that bad word, “good-bye.” As a result of all the transition we have had, we feel the hurt when having to say “good-bye” again. We have had to learn to be literally up-rooted in the middle of winter and transplanted and expected to thrive on another tundra. I am not much of a plant person, but I know that trees do not grow in the winter. Yet, because of the grace and love of God, we survive and somehow, we grow, despite the lack of ideal circumstances. However, if you were to question me, I honestly would not trade this lifestyle for anything in the world. It has caused me to grow and have stronger roots—every day more dependent on the true Source of life.

I recently had a job interview out-of-state. When the phone rang and I was offered the interview, my heart was conflicted. I was excited about this professional opportunity and the chance to be near one of my dear college friends. I was also torn by the possibility that I would have to leave my friends and family. (I have been living in the same location for almost 10 months and have worked hard to put down roots and grow close to people.) Although it seemed pretty “out in left field” to me, I scheduled the interview anyway, knowing that if this was what the Lord wanted for my life, He would make it happen. In this, I was trusting the Lord in a totally new way—He knows what my “life tree” needs.

The morning of the interview the Lord gave this verse to me, Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5. This verse really helped me understand that ultimately my path is the Lord’s, and that He is the One who knows what He has for me. Long story short, I got the job. I am excited to see what the Lord is doing. I am excited for this new stage of my life—adding another zip code to my collection. At the same time, I am sad that I need to leave the comfy “garden” in which I have been sitting.

So, here I am watching the beautiful golden crisp leaves dance as they gracefully fall to the ground, and I call to mind all that God has done and is doing. I know that part of this transition will probably surprise me, part of it will be easier than I expect, and part of it will be heartbreaking—still, I am truly excited for this next step and for what the Lord has for me. I know that even though it might feel like I am losing some leaves, I also know that I am going to be able to add a new branch. God is the Head Gardener; He knows exactly what I need and when I need it.

 

©2015 Thrive.

Question to consider: How have you walked through transitions?