Phases and Transitions 2024

       We’ve all gone through numerous phases and transitions in life. Graduating high school, workforce, college, grad school, first professional job, marriage, kids, divorce, world travel surprises. Then there our successes, disappointments, failures, grand triumphs, learning new things. They all play a part in shaping who we are, who we become, throughout our lives.

       One of the most difficult transitions I’ve ever had to face is the one between purpose and retirement. I’ve moved from having great influence in peoples’ lives, with the commensurate travel, to one of silent bewilderment.

       Who am I now? What was I before? What are my definers in this new phase of life? What is, or should, be important to me now?

       Ever been there? This is my first time retiring. And it’s not an easy place to be.

       I used to be good at this stuff— defining the attributes of a phase, understanding the lack of definers when we’re in a transition, etc. And it really is true that we cannot go back to the previous phase. That part of our life is gone. We must move forward.

       But what if you don’t know what forward looks like? Hummm. Impasse? Tough one.

       Is that the time when we should gather a cadre of friends around us, who know us well, and get their input, their take on the conundrum? I think probably yes.

       Still, especially in these days, I fall back on Psalm 42 for its wisdom and admonition.

Why art thou cast down, o my soul?

And why art thou disquieted within me?

Hope thou in God,

For I shall yet praise him,

Who is the health of my countenence,

And my God.

       Our God can sustain me and my confusion through these transitional times without answers, and lead me out the other side.

Find hope my friend, in the God Who knows you,

Gary