Transitions

Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. 

Paul: “and we…are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:18

September is a period of transition for everyone on campus. First-year students and transfer students, new faculty and new staff may be experiencing the greatest amount of change including different living, studying and working environments. HA’s and RA’s and RLF’s are shifting into roles with new sets of responsibilities and requirements. Becoming an Associate Chaplain has meant a very significant transition for me from a corner cubicle on the second floor to the window office in a main hallway. Even those who are long-term members of the Redeemer community are in transition: new challenges; different classes; or changing responsibilities. Whether Redeemer is new to you are not we are all in transition.

As schedules develop and life seems to take on a new routine we may think there is little that has changed. “Same old, same old” can be the way we often see life. But in reality today is a transition from yesterday and all the days that went before. Each day brings new experiences, conversations, and activities adding new insights and perspectives that help shape and form us.

And every day as the sun rises and sets we have the opportunity of experiencing God’s mercy in beautiful, unique, and challenging ways. Although God’s love is constant his compassions are new every day.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lam. 3:21

Did you notice the plural? It is compassions: multiple expressions of God’s love that are revealed every day.

These compassions are new. That means we haven’t experienced them before.  

Do you have the eyes, ears, and heart to notice God’s outpouring of his love every day? Do you take the time to notice?  Do you see his compassion when you awake in the morning, while waiting in line or in traffic, during your walk to class? I encourage all of us to take a few minutes each day to absorb into our lives some of the countless demonstrations of his love.

When we are willing daily to be open to knowing his love in a way that surpasses knowledge, we can begin to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is his love. The more we experience the love of God, the most beautiful and amazing transition takes place in our lives: we become transformed more and more into the likeness of the Son of God.