Transitions!

I have a grandson who has trouble transitioning from one activity to another. He becomes so comfortable doing "one thing" that to stop that activity and change "gears" brings out the "uglies" in him. I am beginning to think he inherited that trait from his Nani. Now I know what many of you might be saying about now, "You have got to be kidding. Who has transitioned into and out of more places and situations than you have in the 6 years of living full time in an RV, not to mention previous years living in China, as well as now having children you visit around the globe?" My comeback to you would be that yes, I have been through many transitions but it has not always been comfortable. If it were not for Hunter, the true adventurer, and his constant positive attitude and daily encouragement you might have seen more "uglies" coming out of me. I have come face to face with this truth just recently when I had to tackle the task of moving back into the RV. My new little home in Indiana has become so comfortable, like a soft warm sweater, a cup of hot tea, and a fall sunset. Why change that? Why transition back into tight quarters, little counterspace, no friendly neighbors? As Hunter would respond: WARM SUNSHINE!

Now that we are officiallly in Florida and enjoying that warm sunshine I would agree that the work of moving and the transition itself was well worth it. 

I am struggling, though, with a transition that is much harder than moving clothes from one place to another or endurin jet lag or even adjusting to living in another culture. That is the transition from being in the "middle age" bracket to entering the "old age" category of life. It is, of course, inevitable for us all but that does not mean it is easy or even welcomed! What happened to the body that could play racquetball, memorize parts in a play, watch movies until 11:00, eat greasy pizza and sugary pop without a stomach ache?

Are those days really gone? What manual gives us a step by step procedure to make this transition easier? Bo Caldwell writes in his book, City of Tranquil Light, "This growing old is the great test, you know-the challenge we've been preparing for all along." If that is the case I need to "rise to the occasion." Look into God's word, feast on it and apply its truth. 

Isaiah 43:18-21 speaks directly to this struggle: 

"Forget the former things, do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now, it is springing up. Do  you not see it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert to give drink to my people, the chosen ones, the ones I have formed for myself, so that they may proclaim my praise."

OK. The purpose in entering that "old age" group is, through aches, pains, foggy brain, sore joints, through no matter what the body can or can not do - to give God praise!

1 Corinthians 1:3

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort."