Change or Transformation?

“I’m ready for you to leave now.” And with that, I knew Clare was going to be just fine.

We arrived at kindergarten a full 15 minutes before the first bell. Didn’t want to be late on the first day. Clare had picked out her clothes the night before and they didn’t match at all but hey, pick your battles right? We arrived, put her backpack up, found her table, did the picture thing, did the picture thing, did the picture thing again, then she sat down. I asked her if she wanted us to stay for a few more minutes. “I’m ready for you to leave now.”

These first few days have been fantastic. Great school. Great teacher. But Kindergarten is not just a change for Clare or our family, it’s a transition. What’s the difference? William Bridges says this, “In other words, change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. It is not those events, but rather the inner reorientation and self-redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate any of those changes into your life. Without a transition, a change is just a rearrangement of the furniture. Unless transition happens, the change won’t work, because it doesn’t “take.” (Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes)

It’s not those events, but rather the inner reorientation and self-redefinition that you have to go through. I think another word for transition could be transformation and I think Jesus would agree. “Repent (re-orient) for the kingdom of God is near.” (Mark 1). Paul would agree too, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12)

Transformation, repenting, reorientation, self-redefinition. This is an ongoing reality for people of faith. It’s work is never done. Paul again, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3)

You probably remember what it was like to go to Kindergarten for the first time. Mixture of fear, excitement, and little bit more more fear. Clare definitely had some fear the week before school started. But a true transition/transformation requires this! If not, it probably won’t take.

If we are not out of our comfort zone, experiencing a bit of fear, are we really transforming?

Clare was so brave as she transitioned to becoming a Kindergartner. It’s who she is. She overcame her fear and is a different person now.

I’m striving everyday to be as brave as her, in hopes of Christ-like transformation.


Other Posts You Might Like:

Songfest - Jabbarri Jones

Out of My Comfort Zone - Judy Wilmoth

The Greatest Wisdom - Ross Thomson

And the Word Spread! - Beau Davis

Grateful - Bob Bentley

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9:30 - Worship (English Service)
10:10 - Bible Class (Birth to 8th grade following the Kid's church time until the end of service)
11:00 - Worship (Spanish Service)

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