Guest post by Kim Tanner
When I was in middle school, a classmate had glasses with Transitions lenses. Do you remember those? They turn from regular, clear lenses when you’re inside into dark, sunglasses-like lenses when you’re outside. The only trouble was, they weren’t too quick to transition. I remember her coming inside after recess and being stuck with those dark lenses for several minutes. Apparently those lenses are still around, now on generation eight, and “return to clear faster than ever.”
Have I learned to adjust to transitions more quickly? Maybe. I’ve certainly had a lot of practice this year. Within one year, my company has announced our return to the office two days a week, an additional day (three days in the office), and the closing of the building and going fully remote. By the third announcement, most of us felt a bit of emotional whiplash, brains bobbling and not knowing what to think or feel. What would come next?
Only time will tell. We’re still transitioning.
My daughter is in her preteen years, a time of mental, emotional, and physical transition if there ever was one. Even though I’ve been through it, I’m not sure I know how to lead her through it. How will I? Probably by extending her (and me) a lot of grace. And asking those who have been there before. And pleading in prayer for our Maker to give me wisdom in all things (James 1:5).
I used to volunteer in a retirement home, and I saw firsthand how some people were probably now more rigid than ever—rigid in their routines, rigid in their mindsets, rigid in their relationships. Yet other people were not. What accounted for that difference? Personality? Preparation? Practice? Professional help? I don’t know, but I aim to find out. Because while I take comfort that Jesus “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), I know that won’t be true of life’s circumstances.
Are you in a time of transition? Kids moving out? Changing jobs? Moving across the country? Join me in the journey to be more flexible, treading through the turmoil and coming out fine on the other side. I don’t know about you, but I hope someday someone could say about me, “Kim Tanner, now more resilient than ever,” always adjusting well, just like those Transitions lenses.
Kim Tanner enjoys the beauty and power of the written word. She is an editor, wife, and mother of two. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.