For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a tme to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time t.o love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
What about the "in-between" times? The times of transition? The times that come as you leave one season of life for another?
My little family is in a transition time right now...with lots of changes in all areas of our lives.
We are transitioning from our sweet vacation time with family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest back to "real-life" down here in Pensacola. It's not easy to get back into the groove of housework and chores.
My littlest guy is making the transition from a baby to a toddler...which means constant adjustment on our part as his parents...nap times, what he eats, when he eats, what he can reach...I seem to be rearranging a lot of cupboards..
I am making a diet transition. No more gluten, soy, and most dairy products for this girl! (Plus a few more random eliminations)...it's a transition rethinking how I cook, what I cook, what I snack on...it gets tiring.
So I have been slowly learning how to transition well:
Allow for days of rest. Watch movies with your kiddos and snuggle on the couch. Transitions for my boys means they require a lot more interaction. Sitting on the couch together helps with that. Forget about your chores; they'll still be there in a couple hours.
Have simple meals. Breakfast-for-dinner is happening a lot around here. Scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and fresh fruit is nutritious and easy!! (The easy part being key!)
Schedule time with friends. Fellowship is paramount for me when it comes to dealing with transition. It is so uplifting to be reminded that you are not alone in what you're going through. Sometimes you just need a friend to come along side you and commiserate about the trials of teething babies.
What do you do when you find yourself in the middle of a transition?
I am so proud of you. These major transitions are so hard, especially being so far from your family. You are in no.man's.land, for sure. I wonder what gift it has for you?
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
You are absolutely right! This is a very helpful post. Especially for me right now. We are in an extended season of transition. I am also doing the toddler transition and potty training is SUPPOSED to be happening. I am glad you have written this timely reminder that we all are in need of rest during these seasons.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy! It sounds like you're having tons of stress but you're handling it the right way :). Transitioning is hard for me because I want to know what 's happening next--I want a preview, pretty please! Thank you for the reminder to enjoy the transitions and just chill a bit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great insight I had never thought about. There is a time for this and a time for that, but there is also an in-between. I am in transition from living in Ohio to California. I think I am almost home again, but some days I still think back to then and miss it so. I guess that will never change, but it is nice to finally have my feet under me and have new friends. Hopefully we will have a new transition soon. Praying for that one. :)
ReplyDelete