Transitioning in New Journeys
Posted by Shannon on June 12, 2007
Change is very stressful. You’re moving from the comfortable into the unknown, altering what has been common place among your life (regardless of the change) and bringing on something that offsets that since of normalcy.
Transitioning is the same way, at least it is for me. It brings on some additional stress and stress and me, well, we’re not the best of friends.
The transitioning that I’ve been going through is in large part a being overwhelmed with moving from the world of journalism/public policy to a life in ministry, from the awkwardness of possibly training my replacement to going back to school. In August, I leave the comfortable (North Carolina) to head to the unknown (seminary).
Now, first, I can’t wait to go. I’m excited about what God has been doing in my life and where I’ve been and where I’m going. The thought of being able to proclaim the word of God and help to build relationships in others inspires me each day. The part that scares me is the saying good-bye, man that sounds like a bad country music lyric.
Partly that reason is the community of family (I would say friends but they’ve been more than that to me) that I have here. In every corner and avenue of my life, leaving has meant goodbye.
A friend once told me that it’s not goodbye but being sent off to do God’s work.
There are some good things to this change. I’m excited about the opportunities that will meet me in Kentucky, the new community of friends who will be there for me, and the short drive to Cincinnati to watch WVU play the Bearcats in November. (What, you thought I was going to abandon WVU football?)
Then, I’m excited about learning more about this calling I’ve felt for awhile, more about Christ’s teaching, and learning how to minister to a world that is need of Christ’s love.
I can’t wait to go, there is just about 10 to 20 people I wish I could take with me.
June 12, 2007 at 8:03 am
One of those people is Linda Carter isn’t it? Well, you can’t have her!
June 12, 2007 at 8:05 am
Actually, Todd, you can keep Linda Carter. She’s yours. I will take Kiera Knightly and be quite happy.
Yes, I’m taking a Pirate Woman over Wonder Woman.
June 12, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Here is the WVU Alumni chapter address for Cincinnati/Dayton area I just got.
http://www.midwestmountaineer.com/
I how to also go to the game n Cincinnati and also to the Baskerball game if we play there this year.
June 12, 2007 at 5:14 pm
I’m not sure what the basketball schedule will be for the year if we’re going to Cincy or not. I’m sure it would be a madhouse for basketball with Huggins going back to Cincy.
Thanks for the alumni link. I’ll have to keep them in mind.
June 25, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Great post. I’ve read it a couple of time on yesterday and I forgot to leave a comment. In a few days, I’ll be leaving my current summer job and preparing for school which starts in August. I’m very excited to start a new chapter of my life at this school in Memphis and I can’t wait for the future.
June 25, 2007 at 5:58 pm
That’s awesome man. Peace to you in your journey. I know God will bless you along your journey. Enjoy the transition, it’s certainly stressful but also full of enjoyment.
I equate it with an athlete standing in the tunnel just moments before you are announced prior to the game. You’re jumping up and down, anxious, and ready to go, but you can’t get out there.