Transition

The fall has always been an introspective time for me. Even as a kid I can think of going on long walks through the leaves and thinking about things. I've always spent the summer months out at the lake going to camp, working and seeing old friends. The contrast is quite stark when we would head out to the lake for thanksgiving. Sure there were some friends and lot's of family, but the change was evident. The feel of the season had changed and it always made me look back on what had happened the previous year.

School, summer, friends, girls, ups and downs. Even then I would consider it and hold it up to God, asking for some clarity, some direction.

I'm still reflective during this season - only now I think about my marriage, my family, some of my close friends that have moved far away, thinking about my career - wondering what I got right - looking for some clarity, some direction.

September 4th we announced with the board to my congregation that we were going into transition. As of October 31st we're done in Avonlea. It will be just over 2 years we've lived here and it's been a solid time of life and work. Angela and I can point to a number of flag-points where we made big steps in our faith and in our relationship together.

We had a boy while we lived here - saw both the boys start walking, talking, making friends.

While the next steps aren't totally clear from our end of it - I've said to Ang a few times that I have a real assurance that God is going before us and preparing our next stage. He's the faithful one and we know that.

I guess because of where our life is at, this season of reflection is starting a little earlier this year. I like the title our denomination uses to describe a time of change in the pastor/churches life. 'Transition' - although it's always happening in our life, there are times when we're a little more aware of it.