To go on a journey means to leave one destination in order to reach another. While this sounds simplistic, it can become a satire when the two faces of transition come to the fore.
What I mean by that is change for people is good and bad, both at the same time. There’s an anticipation of the ‘new’ while a grieving the loss of the ‘old.’ This seems to be the case when the change is planned and positive but also when the change is imposed and intimidating.
change for people is good and bad, both at the same time
One face of transition looks happy, and we can ride out any tension of turmoil when we feel at ease, excited and eager to arrive at our destination. In this happy state we are energised as we navigate each moment of the change. When we feel this way, we carry a willingness to go the extra mile, to forgive transgressions easily and to pay the price that is necessary to reach the goal.
The other face of transition looks sour, often snapping at discomfort and seriously questioning everything from the why, where, how, who and when. In this not-so-happy state we are physically and emotionally drained, lacking the inner strength to cope with the tension of turmoil. We often want to give up, turn back and settle into the comfort of the old.
God’s people have a track record of looking sour when change comes upon them. You may remember the story of the recently delivered Hebrew people who had been sprung out of slavery by the power of God at work and had passed through the Red Sea without swimming. The moment they realised their freedom required a sojourn in sand, they started to grizzle loudly; “It would have been better if the Lord had just killed us in the land of Egypt. At least there we had plenty to eat. We had all the food we needed. But now you have brought us out here into this desert to make us all die from hunger.” (Exodus 16:3)
God’s people have a track record of looking sour when change comes upon them
When we have short memories, we forget what God has done and what He has promised. Our desire for comfort robs us of the blessing we are being prepared for.
Kathy and I recently moved into a new home I can relate to the two faces of transition. On one side, I was extremely excited to experience the new space and create new memories in the house that had spent many nights occupying our dreams. On the other side, I loathe the process of moving; boxes make mess that feels like it will never end, and I never seem to find the thing I’m looking for… I know exactly where it was in the old house!
Despite this, we’ve decided to embrace the process, live through the tension of the turmoil and seek to find the joy in the new space God has transitioned us into – it’s beautiful while remaining messy!
The next time you’re facing transition, try and work with each of the two faces that present themselves. Each one will give you what you need to traverse the journey well.