‘It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things.’ Donald Miller, Author of Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance
If you have ever wished time away, you will know that as much as you may want to live on a wish and a prayer, in reality things take the time they take. Some days seem to go on forever, others are over far to fast. It’s not that time changes, what really changes is our interpretation of what that time represents.
Doctors Waiting Rooms, Airports, Wedding Days, Funerals, reunions and goodbyes, newborns and empty nesters, happy ever afters and days from hell.
We are moving to Singapore one month from today. As I write, the house is full of packing boxes and questions about what we should take and what we should leave behind. I feel really odd. Like I just woke up from a dream. The rooms are different, the conversations are different, meal times are different. I miss doing stuff in a happy bubble of ‘shall we?’ rather than ‘we must’. I miss walking slowly with the Lord rather than asking Him to help me work stuff out. Times change. Seasons alter. Life turns.
Transition. Moving from one place to another. Changing jobs, being unemployed, being ill or in constant pain, betrayal, having a baby, losing a baby, falling in love, being cheated on, divorce, addiction, an enormous bill, moving town, the death of someone you love, finding out something you wish you didn’t know, a letter that changes your life for the better.
If you think about times of transition in your own life, what comes to mind? Joy, fear, jealousy, love, anger, laughter, tears or a mix of them all? Do you like how you handled your most important transitions? Would you or do you do things differently now?
Transitions are stressful because for a time, we are neither one thing or another. There’s a reason why it’s acknowledged that the most stressful times in life are when we are in transition. When something is changing forever.
Jesus said that we should pray for daily bread. He knew we would face many days when we would need something extra special to strengthen and sustain us when we were neither one thing or another. When yesterday’s clothes did not fit anymore. When people, places or things we took for granted would be lost to us.
Daily bread. What we need for the days we feel panicked, overwhelmed, unsure, paranoid or generally undone. His life in our death. His gift in our loss. His peace in our chaos. His way out of the shadows into the light.
‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ John 14 v27, NIV
May He be yours today.
Blog Directory
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Dearest Claire: Ah, my morning cup of tea! Thank you for your words of continued encouragement. Life as a Christian is a mighty “adventure!” For those of us who “step out of the boat”… a blessing awaits!
I pray that your preparation for Singapore (what an adventure!) will be that blessing, and that when you get there, you will remember that we are still with you – wherever you go.
Keep us posted about how it’s all going.
“We are clothed with strength and dignity, and we can laugh (not be anxious) about the days ahead.”
In Him, Jo Anne Kelly
Hi Claire-
I just wanted to say- thank you for sharing of yourself and winging your inspiring words to all of us. You words expressed from your heart are always like a breath of fresh air that leave me with a contagious feel good as I go about my days. I wish you all the best on this new adventure, may it be a safe, beautiful and joyful road ahead. And, yes, no matter how near or far, right here we are. Keep sharing and inspiring, you are a treasure!
With love and blessings-
Mary
Thank you @ Jo Anne and @ Mary for your love and encouragement today!
Cxx
Wow, Singapore! I’ve been watching a Singapore minister a lot lately – Joseph Prince. So encouraging to me in my own transition time of being forced out of a job I had for years and into the unknown. But God provides above and beyond… so wonderful to know He is going ahead of you and behind you, preparing new joys and seasons for you wherever you go. Ps 139, ever comforting. I’ve always had a love for England (though I haven’t been there yet), so it sounds a little sad that you are leaving…but so wonderful that the internet connects wherever we go. God bless your family and you as you start on this new adventure. I look forward to hearing more…
Pam
This ministered to me—> Jesus said that we should pray for daily bread. He knew we would face many days when we would need something extra special to strengthen and sustain us when we were neither one thing or another. When yesterday’s clothes did not fit anymore.
Dearest Claire, I am so grateful to you and your blog for reminding me about the important things , God’s promises for example . I do not feel peaceful at the moment and yet I’m not about to move to the other side world (not at the moment anyway ) but my heart is filled with excitement for you all as you embark on this new adventure. But I think we are all in some sort of transition aren’t we , as we journey on (or hobble sometimes) closer towards our true selves in Jesus , the hope of glory . I read those words of Jesus to my children yesterday not thinking thatbhecwas trying to speak to me too, but thanks to you I have heard them again. Blessings and love. Rxx
Oh, Claire…how your post was perfect timing in my time of uncertainty. Thank you for taking the time in the midst of your choas to share and encourage others. His daily bread will be your sustenance. Singapore? Wow! What an exciting new journey. God’s richest blessings upon you and your family.
Clair
I always leave your blog for the first thing in the morning or the last at night I know I will get the word that I need for the day. I pray for you already but I will say an extra prayer during your time of transition. I’m in mine and its a trying time as well as a joyous time. I don’t know if I told you but God put a mini-ning in my heart because there are people out there that just needed to know Him in a personal and social way. I started the network “FEELING GOD” (it will be two weeks old on Tues) as if I didn’t have enough to do not really knowing what I’m doing. Its growing slowly and from those who have come they are saying how wonderful it feels to be free to speak about life with Christ in it. Some of my closes friends and family have turned their backs on me but what can I say you have to do what the Master tells you and step out on faith.
I pray for the best for you and your family and look forward to reading and having my tea when you get settled. Also if ever you want to feel more of me and God then visit and feel free to join if you want our little ning we would love your input and if you don’t then pray for it to reach those who don’t know Him and those who do to have a place to fellowship.
Love you and smooches
RevLa
PS: Oh yea I forgot to give you the site address….ha,ha,ha
http://www.feelinggod.ning.com
Hi Claire, it is obvious that your blog is meeting the needs of many people. Life is always a challenge and then somehow God provides a STEPPING STONE. This morning your blog was my stepping stone of encouragement.
Wave your magic wand and all the boxes will pack themselves with what you need to start an exciting new life.
love you
PI
Hi Claire. I read your blog as I was searching for something that would describe my emotional experiences as we move from one country to another. We’re currently based in Malawi and this is our third posting since we’ve been outside the U.S.. Singapore was our first posting. We’re there for a little more than a year and we had fond memories of Singapore especially with our friends back there. I have 2 kids in primary school and my husband was the one who’s working. Now that the kids are on school break and the country doesn’t have fun activities for children, it’s really been a struggle. Thanks for your encouraging words. I have to proactively trust God that He is my Source of peace no matter what the circumstances are. Blessings to you as move to Singapore. Jo