I'm in a transition phase in life and I'm working hard to be OK with it.  Consider:

• For 25 years Karen and I have raised our five children and now they're moving out of the house.
• Our family dog just died.
• For 20 years I've built AIM and asked God to bring me guys who could take it to the next level and now he has.

Psychologists put these kind of life events on a stress scale and correlate them to heart attacks and ulcers. Who in their right mind enjoys a transition?

We don't like change, but change is inevitable, it comes with the package. We're born; the doctor smacks us to get us breathing, and from there on it seems like someone is always smacking us to get us to change. Life brings a series of jolts before we're deposited unceremoniously in a final huge jolt before our heavenly Father where we get to review the whole mess.

So I'm working hard at being OK now. Trusting God in this spot is important.  He made me for a purpose, there is a call on my life, and I need prayer "that God may find (me) worthy of his calling."*

When asked about his kingdom, Jesus said, "Unless you change and become...you will never enter."**

Why do we hate it so? Perhaps in part because the personal identity that we've worked so hard to establish is put at risk. Perhaps because our comfort is threatened. Perhaps old fears get triggered. Or maybe you're like me - I just like to stay productive - me hanging around the house is not a happy thought.

So what do you do if you're going through a season of transition? Here are some things God has me focused on:

1. Stay thankful. You've got so much in your life that is good. Give God thanks for food, shelter, health, family and friends.
2. See the big picture. There is life on the other side of this change and it is probably going to be more rewarding. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you better.
3. Get a plan and work it. Use the time to take stock, but don't spend too long sitting on your hands. Network with people who care about you and want to help. Write down a list of things to do every day. Get out of bed and work your plan.
4. Serve others. Too much introspection can lead you into a negative spiral. Find ways to add value to those less fortunate than yourself. If you need help finding them, email me - I've got several thousand orphans who need to know someone cares about them.
5. Experiment. I've got about five experiments going now - new things that God may use to broaden my calling. I'm not going to stop leading or discipling, but I may start doing in new ways.
6. Stay encouraged. Talk to people who are going through a similar phase of life. Learn from them and let them speak into your life.

Are any of you going through a transition in life now? What works for you?

*2 Thess. 1:11

**Matt. 18:3