Change:
1)To cause to turn or pass from one state to another; to alter, or make different; to vary in external form, or in essence.
2)To put one thing in the place of another; to shift.
3)To quit one thing or state for another.

Often times we walk through various changes. Some changes are exciting, like getting married, having that first child, or graduating high school. I'm sure you can think of things in your life (changes) that brought about those giddy feelings of anticipation.

There are also those changes we dread, the death of a loved one, being alone, losing a job, house or something we hold dear.

Then there are shifts in our lives that are bittersweet: Our first child leaves home for college, marriage, or whatever else to begin their grownup life; someone we love--a friend--moves to the other side of the state or country; or our last child leaves home--which then we face empty nesting.

Our family is in one of those seasons of change. It's bittersweet. We will be saying good-bye to people we love, while saying hello to new people we'll grow to love. My firstborn will be finishing her high school career, graduating next May.

I remember as an eighteen year old, I sat under the leadership of a beautiful mentor who taught me about seasons. She said to me I shouldn't be alarmed when friends come and friends go. The Lord takes us through seasons and HE brings us friends, for us to bless and be blessed by. Some of them are for life, while others are for a time. We are to cherish every moment, learn the lessons well that come our way through those friends.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God makes all things beautiful in its time. If we try to hold on to what He is transplanting, we will--in our effort to avoid change--destroy what was once beautiful.

The change our family is experiencing will be good. Our pastor likened it to a tree being transplanted. It's dug up from the ground and moved to new soil. For a time, that tree may appear to wilt and be dying, but if it's in good soil and receiving the proper nutrients, it will begin to flourish again. It must be given time and patience though.

So, be encouraged. The change or transition you may be facing--if directed by God--will produce more fruit. You will find one day you are healthier and your roots were able to dig deeper than ever before. Embrace it. Embrace God's divine plan. You'll be glad you did.