For all those who are experiencing Life Changes please read and pass it on to others...
TRANSITIONS: THE JOURNEY TO CHANGES
(Excerpt from my book - SOLD OUT: Live for Jesus)
Adjustments. Transitions. Changes. For many, shifting from one season to another is difficult.
The changeover comes in a variety of ways, such as marriage, a pregnancy, a new job, health issues, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or moving to a new town.
As for me, one of the most difficult changes was when the last of our four children left for college. Not only was Carly Jo the last to leave our home, but she was also our only daughter. I dreaded the day when we would move her into her dorm at Texas A&M University. I tried to hide the inevitable and block it from my mind. However, God knew my heart.
One morning, while scanning the Internet, this image, "Changes—Next Exit" popped up on my computer screen. Immediately, God stirred something deep within me. These thoughts lit up like a neon sign in my mind. Parenting is like a road trip. Travelers must be aware of the road conditions and the signs. Following the map is crucial to reaching the planned destination. I quickly opened up a blank word document and began writing...
Overcome with emotion. Not prepared for the inevitable. Hasn’t this parenting trip just started? I’m not ready to journey to "Changes!" Beyond the exit, I see a roadblock on the highway: "Entering the Danger Zone." I have no choice but to exit NOW!
Thoughts rush in... "But I’m not prepared to travel through Changes. I thought this road was miles ahead? At least it appeared that way."
Suddenly, I hear God’s familiar, gentle voice...
"My daughter, My child, "Changes" is your only choice. If you continue on this parenting road trip at the same speed, you’ll eventually crash into My roadblock. I put it there for a reason. I’ve allowed your children, actually My children, to ride with you on Life’s Highway for the first part of their lives. Now, each one drives with Me— ALONE. I need you to exit. This journey to "Changes" will be difficult and full of twists and turns. Starting out, the scenery is barren. Yes, like a desert. Please trust Me to lead you through this next phase of the parenting trip. I promise... an oasis awaits you. Follow Me closely. Thank you for guiding and directing your children to Me. Now, get ready for a new and fresh adventure.
Oh, as a reminder, this parenting trip is not for you to control, but for Me to lead. I’ve allowed you to be a big part of your children’s journey. But your role is changing. I still need you to be in their lives, praying for them to love Me with all their hearts and praying for My purposes to be accomplished through them. Thank you for deciding to travel through "Changes" with Me. I am proud of you. Wait until you see what’s on the other side of this adventure."
Without thinking, I exit the ramp to "Changes." Leaving this part of the parenting trip leads to tears, heartache, and anguish. This road is all I’ve known for so many years.
My heart’s cry is to follow God’s roadmap. I don’t want to divert from His way, but my emotions fly in all directions. With hands-on the wheel and my heart lifted in praise, I cry out to God...
"I never expected this journey to "Changes" to be so difficult. Jesus, I need you more and more each day. Help me follow You with my everything. You are the author and finisher of our family. You love my children more than I do. I trust You completely. I know we’ve completed this part of the parenting trip, and You have a fresh adventure ahead. Help me not live in the past, but focus on Your road map of directions—Your Word. Thank you for allowing me to mother these four children and for the blessings of being their prayer warrior. Also, help me not miss the scenery on this journey to Changes. I praise You for the rest stops along the way called "Grace and Mercy." Sweet sanctuaries to refuel and refresh. I choose to praise You through the journey to "Changes."
Suddenly, my attitude shifts. A smile emerges. Excitement ignites. The Holy Spirit activates a yearning in my heart. Once again, this phrase resounds, "Life is not about me, but all about Him." Humbleness envelops my soul. I remember 3 John 4... "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth." I am ready, Lord. Ready to journey to "Changes!"
This blog post represented my life in the summer of 2012. God allowed this journey to "Changes" to be a sweet time of surrender and trust. I praise Him for all He taught me along the way. Entering the empty nest isn’t easy, but a necessary and exciting season. To all who have gone before me - Thank you for the wisdom. For all who follow me - May you be encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity to teach your children about an intimate relationship with Jesus. The journey to Changes is inevitable.
LIFE CHALLENGE
Is your life in transition? Are you speeding down life’s highway without realizing the exit to "Changes" looms ahead? Are there stops you should have made along the way? Is anxiety building? Maybe you are tired, yet refreshed. Exhausted, yet relieved. Be encouraged and trust God’s road signs. This "Changes" exit causes you to slow down and reflect. Remember, God designed this roadmap for His glory. Enjoy the journey. With excitement, move forward focusing on God’s Word, prayer, and living out His Truths. Ask God to help you follow His roadmap for your life. And don’t miss the rest stops God provides along the way. Give it your all and live sold out for Jesus