Transitions: how do you feel about them?
I woke up today knowing that whether I like them or not; I am in several. Two of our daughters leave to go back to college today. We put the Thanksgiving dishes away and got out our Christmas decorations. The light in Seattle in the winter is minimal; it's a transition to see it getting dark at 3:30 p.m!
But, the biggest transition for me is that this month I will begin to leave Pine Lake; the church I have called home for the past 5 1/2 years. I am going to pack up my office, give back my church credit card, return my cell phone and stop praying with the staff. I have been called to start a new church, Missio Lux, which means Mission of Light.
I have done well at Pine Lake. I have seen people grow in their faith. I have had the privilege of seeing people come to follow Jesus. I have helped the church move toward becoming a missional church; caring more intentionally about our surrounding community and the world.
But, now I have the privilege to following Jesus into new territory; one that will help lead the Church into places we never dreamed of going. I will be exploring those new places in my next several blogs. Let's begin the conversation about our dreams for what God can do in the days to come.
3 comments:
Transitions are tough. It's hard to leave behind those old habits or lifestyles or even people, but it's also exciting to look ahead. I didn't think much about the future when I decided two years ago to begin attending church. I had no idea how much my feelings would change inside, even though outwardly I'm probably not noticeably different. I still struggle with former attitudes or ideas, but all I have to do it look to the Bible and I'm back on track. I think I need to begin looking ahead as to what I think my life as a Christian will look like in the future, and not just wait and see what happens.
You are right to think about your future life as a Christian. God created you to do something very special; something that will deeply fulfill you and also make an impact into the world. Begin to pray that God will open your eyes to see it; and then watch him make it happen.
I am praying for you as you make these transitions. It doesn't happen in a moment or a day. Some days will be brighter than others, and some days will simply be hard. I am confident in your faithfulness, especially because I know the Lord is faithful and you have the eyes to see that and believe. I pray for your protection during this vulnerable time, and that the Lord would sustain you as your world of ministry shifts from one base to another. I know He will provide all that is needed. It is a privilige to be on the journey with you. I pray your roots settle in quickly to ground you in this new place. But it is always the same soil of the Lord's unfailing love. We will watch together with joy to see what blooms and bears fruit!
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