One of the pastors at our church recently preached on transitions in our lives. Our church is in the midst of a transition as we are looking for a new pastor. Then, the next morning, we found out about a dear gentleman in our church who died suddenly. A few days later, I found out the leader of a singing group I was in when I was younger died. I’ve since heard of several friends who have had people close to them die. Jobs that once were are no longer there. Interviews didn’t yield calls back. Depression is inhibiting lives. Diseases cause lifestyle changes that were unexpected.

Transitions.

With so much unexpected in our lives this means change for us. I don’t always enjoy change, but I do see the importance of change. I remember times when older people in the church allowed me to teach my Sunday School class a different way because I thought it made more sense. When they asked what I was teaching, and I assured them it was still theologically all there, they said my “how” wasn’t as important as long as it focused on the proper “Who”. This gave me freedom in changing how things had been done before. It was a transition I was looking for at the time.

But, what about the times we’re not looking for change? What about the phone calls from the doctor that change our lives forever? Tomorrow is the 2-year anniversary of when we found out my husband had cancer. It is a bundle of mixed emotions right now for me. The life of our family has for sure seen a lot of transition these past 2 years. And, it was not a change we were looking for at all!

There are times in life we will be in the boat with the waves splashing and winds soaring. We will be scared, overwhelmed, and a bit disoriented. Our focus, due to daily demands and the fact that we could drown if we don’t get the water out of the boat, seems to be on our circumstances: our what. We think and worry about the “how” of getting through life. It can become all-consuming in a blink of an eye.

Some days I need to be reminded that the what and how of life pales in comparison to the “Who”. If we give the “Who” the proper perspective, the what and how will fall into place. Giving God the proper perspective is at times as much gut-wrenching as it is an amazing freedom. Some days it involves saying to God every 5 seconds, “Thy Will be done”. Other days it is a daily reading of God’s word that reminds you who you are in comparison to God.

Getting through any transition, big or small, will require a constant communication with God. This communication must become something we crave in our lives. Being hungry for God’s presence and seeking Him will provide our constant in the midst of any change or transition. Run to God to get through both big and small transitions.

© 2018 Susan M. Sims

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