Trinity Enews May 25, 2017
In 1980 William Bridges wrote a book entitled Transitions. This brightly colored book has been on my book shelf for years and I automatically reach for it during a life transition. Most recently, when I decided to leave St. Andrew’s and come to Trinity, I opened it again. Given that this move coincided with the death of my daddy, whom I loved dearly, I learned some important things about both transitions and what this time could be for me.
One of the things that helps me the most is knowing that life as a human being IS all about transitions—both inner and outer changes. Granted some changes are chosen, others are not and yet each has their own rich blessings when we are ready to receive them. Becoming open to these blessings is a process as well, one that almost always includes a time of withdrawal, a time of not being sure who we are any more, a time of feeling like we are in limbo, and a time of confusion and emptiness. During times of transition we don’t know if we’re going crazy or becoming enlightened. And yet, the point is to let ourselves or others in transition be in this place. (It is also a time to be gentle with ourselves and one another!)
As you may have guessed, the reason I am writing about transitions this week is because, as a parish, we remain in a time of transition. I knew this when I chose to come here. I knew additional staff changes would need to be made because we are not the church we were ten years ago, nor is our community. The visioning work helped us to see this and we are still in the process of change. I also know we will need to work together to create something new. I know what I'm doing and I need your help. So, take heart, my friends, we will not always be in this time of transition. A new chapter is being written. All is well. God is with each one of us. Of this I am sure!
Peace and Blessings, Jenny+