Transitions

I write this as I prepare to give a talk about life transitions to a group of church listeners.  These are people who volunteer to be companions to those who are overwhelmed in their church community, often overwhelmed by a loss, maybe the death of a loved one, maybe a job loss, maybe a medical condition.  Even something like a child going off to college, or off to kindergarten.  These listeners are people who come alongside those who need an extra set of ears, a listening heart, during a time of need. 

It*s funny.  This is something I feel entirely qualified to talk about.  Usually requests come, and I think:  What can I possibly say?  This time I heard the request and said immediately: I would love to do that.  When do you need me?   Today it is a matter of paring down what I have to say, rather than the usual process I go through which requires expanding my words.  

Consider this:

Where are the transitions in your life now?  What changes are at work in your soul?  I believe we are always in transition from one thing to another.  Change, if we are alive, is a constant.  Our brains are wired naturally to seek patterns in our lives, to make sense of what we experience.   Certain changes are more difficult for us than others.  Sometimes having a companion, an extra someone who will listen with their ears and heart, helps us weather that change.