Before September of 2012 I knew a little about transition. Truthfully though, not a lot. The biggest transitions in my life prior to September of this year were having my mom get re-married, going to Auburn, moving out on my own, getting married, and having a baby. Don't get me wrong, all big things. Then September of 2012 came and I have learned about a whole new type of transition. What a whirlwind it has been.
On September 6th, Chris sent in his resume for a job opening at Vestavia Hills UMC. On September 7th, they called him to talk to him about the job. On September 10th, he went up and interviewed for the job. On September 23rd, he went to Vestavia to be their guest worship leader and essentially "try out." On September 24th, they offered him the job. On October 1st, he took the job. On October 8th, we listed our house up for rent. On October 10th, our house rented. On October 21st, we moved in with Chris' parents. On November 1st, Chris began working part-time at VHUMC. Since then, we have been living with Chris' parents, as Chris traveled back and forth spending about half the week in Birmingham, and half the week in Montgomery. Yesterday, Chris started full-time at VHUMC and after some friend's wedding this weekend we will finally make the move to Birmingham on Tuesday (1 week from today!).
Through all of this I have learned a lot about myself. A lot about Chris. A lot about packing. A lot about STUFF. Transition can be difficult. Transition can be a lesson. Our transition is nowhere near over. Now we will begin the transitioning to life in Birmingham with a new church family, a new home, and new roads to travel everyday. Looking back, I didn't handle this transition how I wanted to. Maybe because it was so fast but at the same time it all seemed so long. I haven't been the best friend, because I was consumed with my life. I haven't been the best wife, because I've been stressed and put the majority of that stress on Chris. I haven't been the best mother, because I've been overwhelmed with work, moving, and everything else. I haven't been the best employee because I've been stressed about having to find a new job.
All this to say, I'm so thankful God gives us new mercies every morning. Most people start their resolutions and declarations of how they will do things differently in January. For me, it's going to be December. I have lots of plans to make this month, and the following months different. To let the stress go, to focus on family, and to celebrate Jesus' coming. Keep reading, keep following. A new thing is coming. (Obviously!)
