Life is full of changes. Having lived a few decades now, I have traveled many pathways. Some that were forced on me and others I chose. Some were easy and others not so easy. Each took time to find a way to settle into new patterns.
These changes can take a toll on us mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. We may need to shut down for a little while and sit in the midst of what was, what is, and what is to come. There is a period of grieving the connections that no longer exist. There may be a period of sitting and wondering and praying about the lessons learned. These are the building blocks of our lives and how we strengthen the foundation of who we are for the next step.
And then there is deliberately stepping out of our comfort zone into something new and perhaps a little uncomfortable. It is hearing that mystical voice that says “Go.” It is faith to trust that in following the Divine, it somehow works out.
Even when we find ourselves settling into a new community, there may be a period of timidness as we wonder if this is where we will fit next. If we have been wounded by a community, especially a spiritual community, it may take longer to trust what feels right. Do we dare make new connections? What if trust is broken again? We wait anxiously for signs of pending betrayal.
What about those relationships that we have left behind? Will any of them continue? Or will people forget us and just move on because we’re no longer a part of whatever that program or life was? Will we forget?
Will friendships that we thought were lasting, simply dissolve away? These are the seasons of our life which we flow in and out of. And it is a natural part of living. What do we do when the things we did are no longer what we do?
Being connected and being part of community is central for us of humans to thrive. God saw that in the creation story as humans developed relationship with their creator.
“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out… spurring each other on.” Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG
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