We put our house on the market this week.
I stand at the door, unsure of what waits on the other side. I didn’t think this door world come so soon. Opening a door is not new to me; transitions are a part of life but this one feels different.
My first major transition came when I left the comfort of my Mom and went to kindergarten. Mom says that I came up with many reasons not to go, but off to school I went. There were good and bad days, but each year presented me with opportunities to learn and grow.
I remember the excitement of going to college and then the apprehension when I waved goodbye to my parents and walked back to my dorm room. Surrounded by new faces and map in hand, I began the adjustment to life away from home. Four years later I said goodbye to the comfort of college classes, friends and my parents bank account.
Could I make it on my own without my parents help? A new job, making my way through the maze of finances, time management, relationships…then the marriage to my best friend, a lifelong companion with whom to explore and enjoy the mysteries of life.
Each transition came with challenges and opportunities. Doors opened and closed, always with the sense of anticipation, excitement for the possibilities and angst for the challenges. But each transition eventually became comfortable.
Three children came along. The options now included their development and experiences. They walked through their own doors leaving me with an empty nest. No longer responsible for their care, I began to put more into writing.
Once again, I arrived at a place of comfort. Now, Norm’s retirement brought us to this new door. All the other doors of transition led to opportunities, explorations, new experiences, learning and growth. Just because we are older doesn’t mean this one will be any different. We can stand on these truths.
- “This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lam. 3:21-23. Everyday I can rely on the Lord, who does not change, to be faithful no matter what comes my way.
- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. This promise has no age or stage of life limits.
- “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. In the morning sow your see, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” Ecc. 11:4,6. My responsibility, step out in faith and don’t worry about the outcome.
I stand at the door of transition, unsure of what lies on the other side, but confident in the Lord God, who does not change.
TRICIA LATHROP 