Finding the Hidden Treasures in Transition
Packing once again. Yet another move… another change. Just when my life was beginning to have a bit of a routine. It’s been said that the only constant in the life of a missionary is “constant change.” How do we approach our continual transitions with grace? We need to look for the hidden treasures in transition seasons.
God created life to include transition. He designed the world with seasons and cycles. Change is part of His wonderful plan. Summer transitions to Autumn, Autumn to Winter, Winter to Spring, and so on. Since transitions are His plan, we can embrace them as positive times. Instead of wishing the transition period would end, look for the good. Notice and embrace it.
An Egg Hunt
Not long ago, we celebrated Easter. A group of adorable children gathered at our house on Easter morning. They were excited to have a traditional Easter egg hunt. We counted the eggs and the dads (and my husband playing grandpa) went outside to hide these “treasures.” Kids of all ages, from about three to thirteen, would be searching for the eggs. The dads made some easy to find and others harder.
The little kids went first. Once they found an egg or two, the older kids were released to search. Exclamations of joy soon came as little ones ran up to us, eyes aglow, smiles on their faces “Look! I found the special egg with the flower on it!” We also got sad looks and expressions, “I can’t find any! Can you help me?”
Soon, it seemed all the eggs were found. We brought the kids together and counted them. Hmmm. We hid 32 eggs but they’d only found 30. Now the adults joined the search. It wasn’t easy. Where in the world were those eggs? Even the dads couldn’t remember where they’d hidden them.
In much the same way, as we go through a transition, some blessings are easy to see. We find them quickly. Others take deeper searching and longer to find.
I will give you hidden treasures,
Isaiah 45:3 NIV.
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
3 Treasures in Transition
Transition Treasure #1: A chance to simplify and regroup.
My parents were missionaries in Africa. My husband and I have served in missions our entire adult lives. I have experienced so many transitions I am not sure I could begin to count them. As much as I hate the hard work and instability of moving, it does help me clean out my closets! We get rid of things we don’t need or haven’t used for a long time.
Getting rid of unnecessary accumulated stuff is good for us! When everything you own now fits into a few suitcases, life feels lighter and more manageable. Take time to notice that blessing and make the most of the decluttering process.
Transition Treasure #2: Growth in our reliance on God.
It isn’t easy to leave behind friends and what feels familiar. If your roots have gone deep and you feel sad about what you are leaving behind (or have left) that is a good sign. It means you are a healthy person who established positive community where you were.
Adjusting to a new location, culture and the new people there takes time. Give yourself space and grace for the season of learning there.
With re-entry transitions, it’s amazing how awkward and uncomfortable we can now feel in that place that used to be so natural for us to “live” in. Instead of thriving we feel like we are wilting. We struggle to fit in to that place once again.
In these wilderness places, the transition brings, let your soul reach out to the one who has stayed the same. God is the one constant in your life. His love for you and your relationship with Him hasn’t changed. He is still there for you. Lean hard on Him and let Him pour water on your dry places. When you don’t have any friends to call in your new place, let loneliness become a place of solitude where you meet with the lover of your soul.
Transition Treasure #3: The pruning of transition creates space for new things to grow.
I have to say that though I know it is good for me, I don’t particularly like to be “pruned” by God! New life and new ideas are a delight, however. In his classic book Necessary Endings, Henry Cloud writes about the importance of the endings in our lives. See my review of this book here.
Without endings, new things don’t grow. And we want that right?
We need the new wine and new wineskins the Lord desires to bless us with. We must be willing to let go of the old to embrace the fresh life He wants to give. That doesn’t mean we don’t grieve the loss of what was. Make space for sorrow. Cry your tears and be real about what you are going to miss. But then breathe a prayer of faith that says, “Lord, thank you for the pruning. I want your new life to come.”
What Treasure Have You Found?
Are the treasures of this transition starting to show up like eggs in your Easter basket? Or are you still searching? Don’t be discouraged or despair. They are there. You will find them as you actively look for them. Ask God to help you open your eyes to see what He has hidden for you in this particular transition.
I’d love to hear about your treasures! Share in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.