Written by: Amanda M.
WOW! Graduate
The minutes change, the hours, days, seasons, years.
They are constant, the changes to which we grow accustomed. If we aren’t careful, time can pass us by without much thought. That is, until a different kind of change happens. You know the ones: the graduations, moves, losses, gains, etc. Good and bad changes alike can throw us as we navigate the new and sometimes uneasy waters of transition.
Transition is inevitable. Change happens. Some changes come as a result of our own doing, our own control. Many, however, come when we least expect it from a Power much greater than ourselves.
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be….” -Psalm 139 NIV
I haven’t studied this topic in academia, but likely no different from you, I have lived it.
Here are a few most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- “Life is what you make of it.” My mom used to tell me this as a child, so, every time we would unpack in a new town, I tried to make friends and get involved quickly so I wasn’t stuck on the outside, miserably looking in.
- It is often best not to fight. Leaving the previous places behind hasn’t always been my most graceful times. Several times I dug my heels in and resisted whatever change with all the pain and suffering I could muster. Looking back, that really got me nowhere… The times I surrendered and let God’s plan unfold, have turned out to be the most beautiful and memorable. You know, the kind you actually want to remember. 🙂
- “Sometimes you have to be the friend you want.” Those were wise words I received in a new chapter of my life. I was craving friendship and connection as the dust settled. If you’re in a place where you need that too, be encouraged to make the first move.
- Ask “What God?” instead of “Why God?” So much more life comes out of the “What” rather than the “Why.” And, if you are faithful to listen, He will show you.
Run toward God in your times of transition, rather than away.
Let go of control; surrender your worry, doubt and fear; and wholeheartedly trust His plan for your life. God is writing a story in your life. As all good stories it includes twists and turns and ends with a beautiful ending.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV