Recently, my one year old was hysterical. Legs kicking and eyes full of tears, he was having a "toddler moment". He was angry because he wanted a bottle, and I offered him a shiny new sippy cup for naptime. This went on for at least 10 minutes, and I was suddenly filled with compassion. I started to whisper the words, "I know that transitions are tough". The truth is he is going through a transition and he...well...hates it! We have all experienced these major life transitions. From womb to birth.
From crawling to walking.
From teen to adult.
From jobless to career. Moving, finding a new church, having a child, leaving an abusive relationship, deciding to live a better life, are all transitional moments! There are times when transitions can be a source of refreshing and hope. However, the transitions of life cause you to change your old way of doing and embrace a new perspective. Transitions force you out of your comfort zone. In my own life, transitions force to me to disregard my way and lean on God to lead me into this new phase. I have learned that many transitions are necessary. In psychology, many developmental theories describe the importance of transitioning from one phase to the other. Improper transition can cause you to be mentally trapped in a mindset or phase. Although you mature physically in age, you mentally have stunted growth. Even adult nail biting, according to Sigmund Freud, is a result of an improper transition in feeding as an infant. If we consider this concept, every transition counts. However, I propose that your attitude in the midst of your transition is just as important. Truthfully, if you started a new job kicking and screaming, you may not have that job very long. Much like my toddler, his emotions about transition made his time less pleasant. He allowed stubbornness towards the process to overtake him. The question is...how do you respond in transition? How do you react when God is moving you into a new phase? Do you embrace transitions with hope or with stubbornness? Do you complain, kick and scream when it's time to do a new thing or respond with an attitude of victory? Jeremiah 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This reassures us that all His plans for us are good! They are never to slip us up, cause us to head into depression, or ruin us. His plans are to move us into our next level. Although the transitions from one step to another may difficult, they are necessary.
Consider a staircase, imagine each step with the word "transition" on it. There is no growth that can happen if you stay on the middle step. You must keep moving, each individual step counts in moving to the next level.
In the transitions, we learn, we grow stronger, and we lean on Him more than ever for peace. We can have an attitude of victory knowing that God is with us through it all! Remember, victory means overcoming despite the obstacles! If God has called you into a new season, there's no need to kick and scream. Instead, know that it all ends in victory for you!
I challenge you to pray and worship your way through your transition. Ask the Holy Spirit for peace and wisdom for your next step.