Finding peace in the midst of transitions
Out of all four seasons, summer and fall typically carry with them the most transitions. And in parenting, we experience the joys and challenges of guiding our children through seasonal transition as one school year ends and summer rushes in. June through September seem to see the rise of relocations as well. Many move across town and even across the country.
Transition is defined as the process or period of changing from one state to another. This process of being ‘in-between’ can feel daunting. During hectic times of change, we often do the exact opposite of what we should do to remain steady and at peace. We crank through the to-do list and lose healthy balance; we allow ourselves to be consumed by the unknowns and miss the gift of today.
So how can we find peace amid transition?
Perhaps your transition right now looks like new rhythms for summer with your kids home . Or perhaps it involves a life event like a relocation. Regardless of your circumstances, relying on the truths of God and finding healthy rhythms are essential to a peace-filled life. While we can’t take a break from what goes on in our lives, we can lean into his way of rest.
I often return to Jesus’ words in Matthew 11
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV).
The Lᴏʀᴅ doesn’t intend for us to run on empty. He walks with us and among us in every season. Do you ever feel like it’s all up to you? It’s not. Do you ever feel like peace is elusive? Peace is possible. Do you ever feel alone in the unknown? God never leaves you.
Here are three ways to find peace amid transition:
Release
“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-31 ESV).
Good news: It’s not all up to you. God knows you down to the last detail! He created you and intimately knows you including the numbers of hairs on your head. We tend to carry tasks and burdens as if the results depend on our ability. We don’t have to. God’s care is immeasurable, and his word is our assurance.
Recall
“I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now, it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).
Praising God for who he is shifts our perspective and aligns our thoughts with his. Recalling what he’s done fuels our faith for today and for the future. And relying on the truths of God are essential to a peace-filled life in the midst of the unknown. Sometimes a delay or certain circumstances cause us to be discouraged and we easily forget what we know to be true about God. When we remember what he has done before, it encourages us to keep going, knowing he is in control and has our best interest at heart.
Rest
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
We crave rest, don’t we? God invites us to cast everything that burdens us and causes fear and anxiety upon him. To cast means to throw something forcefully. How do we find soul rest? If we throw off all that makes us weary and give it to the Lᴏʀᴅ, we can breathe deeper and live lighter knowing he cares for us. When our daily rhythms are dependent on what we can accomplish, we burn out, give up, doubt, fear, and lose our identity. But when we release, we find strength, perseverance, and the rest we need.
So today, place your ever-changing days into the hands of your never-changing God.
Consider a few extra resources:
