Tree of Transitions

It is almost November, the leaves are starting to turn and sing as they hit the ground. It is a beautiful time of the year. Today is particularly warm and I am loving sitting outside and reading. It is this beautiful change of seasons that makes me reflect about the transition that has happened in the last few months. I have gone through a lot of change and I am preparing my heart for more change in the coming weeks. I am in transition! I feel like every transition of my life is marked with the sadness of losing my summer leaves, yet the blessing of adding a new branch to my life tree.

For those of us who are in the TCK world, transition is a bittersweet word.  Part of our existence depends on transition. We “need” to be able to move and change. We get so excited about the opportunity of our life radically changing. It is part of who we are.  But the other part of us realizes with transition comes the “bad word,” good-bye. Because of all the transition we have had, we feel the hurt when having to say good-bye again. We have had to learn to be literally up-rooted in the middle of winter and transplanted and expected to thrive in another tundra. I am not much of a plant person, but I know that trees do not grown in the winter. Yet, because of the grace and love of God, we survive and somehow do grow despite the lack of ideal circumstances. However, if you were to honestly ask me, I would not trade this life style for anything in the world. It has caused me to grow and have stronger roots, every day more dependent on the true source of life.

I recently had a job interview out of state. When the phone rang and I was offered the interview, my heart was torn. I was excited about this professional opportunity and the chance to be near one of my dear college friends. But, I was also torn by the potential of having to leave my friends and family. I have been living in the same location for almost 10 months and have really tried hard to put down roots and grow close to people. I scheduled the interview, knowing that if this was what the Lord wanted for my life, He would make it happen, since it was so out in left field. I was trusting the Lord in a totally new way. He knows what my “life tree” needs.

The morning of the interview the Lord gave me this verse “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage” Psalm 84:5. This verse really helped me understand that ultimately my path is the Lord's, that He is the one who knows what He has for me. Long story short, I got the job. I am excited to see what the Lord is doing. I am excited for this new stage of life, adding a zip code to my collection. But at the same time I am sad that I need to leave the comfy “garden” I have been in.

So, here I am watching the beautiful golden crisp leaves dance as they gracefully fall to the ground. I am remembering all that God has done and is doing. I know that part of this transition will probably surprise me, part of it will be easier than I expect and I know that part of it will be heartbreaking, but I am truly excited for this next step and for what the Lord has for me.  I know that even though it might feel like I am losing some leaves, I am also going to be able to add a new branch. God is the head gardener and who knows exactly what we need and when we need it.