Transitions

A number of years ago, I worked for a pastor who wrote his thesis on the topic of "transformational transitions." By the time this project was over, and I had typed that phrase what seemed like 10,000 times, I thought I would be just fine if I went through the rest of my life never hearing either of those words again.

Yet, I find myself in the midst of living it out.

One of my jobs has had so many staff transitions in the last several years that I lost count, but something like 26 people have come and/or gone in the almost 11 years I've been there.

One of my jobs has had a transition in leadership, but the new guy is working out beautifully and all is well.

We are transitioning again to a new senior pastor at my church.

Maggie

My personal life has included a recent transition from our beloved little dog, Maggie when we lost her unexpectedly and abruptly. We do have a new little guy in our lives now and we are adjusting to life with a puppy, although he is 10 months old. We still routinely grieve our little girl.

The New Kid

I am currently on a one-month sabbatical, trying to "breathe deeply and resume normal behavior." The effects of living through multiple transitions can sneak up on you if you aren't paying attention. I'm trying to find the balance in life again and this will mean another transition - one that incorporates learning how to relax and be creative again while still being responsible and effective.

YOUR TURN:
How do you handle change?

How do you relax?