Transitions

If you ask most people, they will tell you that they don't like change. Why is that? Any theories? I have a few of my own, but I won't elaborate yet.

My family is going through some major transitions right now. Why everyone at once? Steve and Mish are moving to Vancouver, B.C. I've been reminded by Marj P. (Mish's mom) that it's only for graduate school, and we should view it at that. Seeing it in that light, yes, it doesn't seem like a major change. I've had all three children go off to schools that required some traveling time to see them. For two years in a row, we didn't see Steve much because he went right from Texas Tech to working at a camp all summer. Yes, he's going off to school, albeit a plane ride away. (And I've already checked fares on both Southwest and American!) But what makes it a bit more difficult for Bob and I is that he and Mish have lived just down the street now for a year and a half. They've been able to pop in, with or without Harley, just to say hello or to see what snacks we had laying around the kitchen. (Usually not much!) They've been a great help to us in many ways. Okay, so I'm being a little selfish here. BUT...I know they need to make this move. And it will be good. I'm excited for them to start off somewhere fresh as a couple. This experience will grow their marriage. Twenty-nine years ago, Bob and I did the very same thing. Now the difference is, we never lived as a couple close to our parents. We graduated from college, got married two days later, went on a honeymoon, and then moved from New Jersey to Texas, where we have been ever since. It required a major adjustment for us, but with God's amazing help, we worked through it and have grown closer to Him and each other because of the experience. We didn't have family here to fall back on when things got tough, though they were just a phone call and plane ride away. Bob and I had to depend on each other...and after becoming Christians, on our Lord. So, I see this move for Steve and Mish as a good one. I will embrace it, because I love them both very much, and I want them to be seeking God's will. They both believe that this move is part of His divine plan. And...like I said...they'll only be a plane ride away! To an area of the country I have never seen before. So, let me check my calendar. :)

Well, I'm not through yet. Then there's the other couple, Pam and John. Talk about transitions! They are leaving the city they have loved, Austin, for another, San Antonio. John will start something new, law school. Pam is in search of another job. It will be "tough" in the sense that she is leaving a job she absolutely loves, and will probably be comparison shopping as we say. They are both leaving a church, and many friends that have become part of their lives over the years they have been in Austin. And John will be leaving a home in Driftwood, while his only sibling, his sister Beth, moves with husband and daughter to Oklahoma. Does it seem like everyone is moving?? But as I said with Steve and Mish, this move will be good for John and Pam in strengthening their marriage. They are moving to a new city where they will seek out a church as a couple. They will build a home, atleast for the next three years, in San Antonio. I'm excited for them also. Okay, can I say also that I'm glad they are still in Texas? For now. Only God knows where they will all be years from now. They may not be like their parents who have stayed put in one place for so long. Of course, Bob and I thought we'd only be in Texas for five years! Yeah.

Okay, bear with me. One more transition. How can I leave out Becca? She's at Pine Cove right now. One more week of camp. Haven't been able to talk at length with her about her experiences there, but hoping and praying for transformation. Praying that God is surrounding her with people who will confirm in her His truth. She is planning on studying abroad in Florence, Italy this fall. Still haven't got the passport yet, though we applied in February, but it should be coming soon. Hopefully in time for her student visa. Another transition. One we are hoping will produce growth and maturity in spirit. I suppose we should hope that for all of our life experiences.

So how do you handle the transitions in your life? Anyone have any verses that they'd like to share that help them through these changes?