“Closing out”…my thoughts on transitional seasons.

Times of transition are very interesting because I think they tell us a lot about who we really are on the inside.  Transitional times, test our integrity, work ethic, drive and desire to fulfill our passions for life, and much more!  If you have ever gone through a time where you were transitioning from one job to another, or one city to another, or one school to another, then you can relate to the mixed emotions of ending something only to begin something new.  I have gone through several major transitions in my life (more than I would want, that’s for sure), but I have learned several things during my transitions which have really helped me.  I am really working at making this the best and most stress-free transition I have ever had.  We will be making our big move to Pittsburgh in less than a week and sometimes we feel as were are under the gun: finishing school, packing, organize, cleaning, trying to live in what seems like a warehouse with all the boxes everywhere.  But I think by keeping some of these things in perspective, our last transition for a LONG LONG LONG time will go as smoothly as possible.

1. Putting God first - I’m not moving to Pittsburgh for a job or to buy a house, I am moving to Pittsburgh because the Lord has a plan.  And that plan consists of giving life to a community that so desperately needs it!  In this plan, God has carved out a couple of notches for my family and I to participate.  This calling by the Lord is the whole reason we are moving so I have to keep in mind and perspective that if it weren’t for God and his amazing plan for Pittsburgh, then I wouldn’t be packing and moving in the first place!  We are in a constant state of gratitude and thankfulness for the Lord choosing us to do this Kingdom work!  As the tough times of moving and transition come, making the conscious decision to keep God in the driver’s seat is the best and the safest thing you could possibly do!
2. Take the “High Road” – There can be nothing worse in a time of transition than leaving a place in bad graces.  There is a spiritual principle in doing your very best with God’s help until he moves you on.  One thing people like to do as they are on their way out is talk bad about people.  I urge to you to speak life and remain positive in everything you say about the people you are about to leave.  Remember, it’s not that you are leaving a place, it’s more about how God is sending you to another place in life to do his work.  The moment you start burning bridges is the moment that you start setting your transition and your future up for failure.  Be an example of what it means to be called of the Lord somewhere else, but yet staying committed and joyful until the very end in your current situation!  I believe that this way of departure honors God and it honors those people you have spent time with and invested in!  It shows you truly care about people!
3. Don’t neglect the details – It is natural to spend time in finishing up all of the big things, like packing, getting transportation, finances and all of that stuff, but what about the small, detailed, yet very important things that seems to get overlooked?  The last thing you want to happen is to turn a “mole hill into a mountain” because you failed to pay attention or prioritize your transitional situation.  Pay attention to the small stuff as you prepare for the future during times of transition.  By tying up all loose ends, you are saying to people, “I have put my best effort into making this transition a good experience for everyone”.
4. Stay Connected – It is so important that during times of transition you remain connected and plugged into your personal, growing relationship with God!  Your relationship with God comes before the importance of any ministry, resume building, network, church or group.  It is imperative that you and God continue to grow together and your passion for “Kingdom growth” multiplies!  It also might be tempting to relationally tuck yourself away and never be heard from again!  You might get the feeling that since you don’t have any immediate responsibilities for a job or vocational ministry, you really don’t find yourself pursuing relationships and staying connected with people.  This is a big problem.  If you find yourself, falling into this pit of not wanting to be relational, you might need to spend some quality time with God and ask him to give you a passion for people.  I mean, that is what ministry is about, right?  People?  Stay connected with friends and pastors.  Network with key leaders in your community and remain “about your Father’s business”.  It’s essential that during times of transition that we remain connected with God and people!
5. Enjoy your last moments – If you don’t make the conscious effort to enjoy your last days, weeks, months before complete transition, you might be missing out on some great times!  You might never get the opportunity to hug this person, laugh with this person, talk with this person, play basketball with this person for a long time or possibly ever!  Make the most of your last moments and truly continue the ministry that God brought you there for in the first place.  Relationships!  Show the people you love them, care for them, enjoy them, and how much you will miss them!   Of course, if you are leaving on the “low-road” or under bad terms, this is virtually impossible to do.  All the more reason, to do #1, #2, #3, and #4 so #5 can propel you out  with flying colors!

God has truly blessed us in during our time here in D.C. and we have made so many life-long friends!  We are very sad to leave people from our school and church, but we are super pumped to experience God and his plan for the city of Pittsburgh for a lifetime!