The Truth about Transitions....

"I know now that the Spirit is trying to birth something in my life when I find myself craving silence and darkness, when I find myself editing my circle down to the trusted few whom I know will midwife me through the birth.  It is nothing to fear; it's the time of transition." - Sarah Bessey

A couple of weeks ago, my son leaned over and said these words to me, "I feel like you are having a hard time reaching homeostasis.  Sometimes, you just need to kick back and relax."  The moment he walked out of the room, I made a mad sprint for the dictionary.  Past the long and scientific definition of homeostasis were 3 synonyms:  balance, evenness and stability.  I quickly discovered my son was 100% correct. Balanced, even and stable are not 3 words one might use to describe me over the past few weeks.  Why?

It is the month of September, which one might actually refer to as the "Super September Season of Transition."  Mommas everywhere send our college-aged kiddos back to their respective schools, some watch their children transition from one school to the next and all of us experience the simple exhaustion from adjusting to new routines.  All the beautiful pictures on social media depict this time as a celebration of complete balance and great stability.  However, our hearts....our hearts often struggle to feel that same way.  Why?

1.  We don't live in a society that encourages any momma to say, "Hello...over here on aisle 5, I am not ok.  I am transitioning, my kids are transitioning, and we're all struggling!"  Oh sweet ones, acknowledging transitions are hard is so important.

2.  We don't live in a society that encourages us to talk with others about how we're feeling.  Do you have a circle of a chosen few people whom you know can help you through this season?  It is not enough to simply acknowledge our struggles.  We must surround ourselves with others who will love us, hold us and carry us through this valley.

3.  If we are being honest with ourselves, most of life's transitions are scary and ignite a level of fear in our souls that is hard to ignore.  Whether you are in the midst of a relationship, job, family, school or health transition, all of us can identify with feelings of fear and anxiety.  Recently, my mom and I had a discussion about this.  In simple terms, my momma asked me, "Do you think our fears demonstrate a lack of faith?"  The more I have thought about this question, the more I have come to realize the answer is probably yes.  Over and over, God's word tells us to be strong and courageous.  Joshua 1:9  gently reminds us that wherever we go, the Lord will be with us.  Most importantly, He promises that He will help us deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.  Matthew 6:34

Recently, I listened to a song on the radio that I have heard no less than 100 times.  At this particular moment, a set of words made me pause:
I've seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I'll see You do it again.
You made a way, where there was no way,
And I believe, I'll see You do it again.

Thank you, Jesus for every transition You have carried me through.  What a blessing that I know You will do it again!

Are you in a season of transition?  Acknowledge that this is hard.  Allow yourself the freedom to believe, "It is ok...right now...to not be ok."  Surround yourself with a small circle of people who will love you through a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.  Give your fears to God.  Allow Him to transform your present fear into everlasting peace.  Celebrate this beautiful reality:  He has done it before.  Know, with great certainty, He will do it again.  Amen.