How take transition head on.

Moving to a small town has been an adjustment.  Some things are hard to get used to.  For example, why in a store called Dollar General are tortilla chips $3.50?  Any change that we experience creates unpredictable consequences and sometimes we simply cannot be prepared.  But here are a few things I've learned to make change easier.

1.  Pray

I'm a pastor and although it seems obvious I refuse to downplay the importance and necessity of prayer through change, it can literally be and has been what has gotten me and countless others through transition.

2.  Decide ahead of time that your expectations are only expectations.

False expectations are hope killers.  Sometimes we expect things that we don't deserve/ are impossible/ shouldn't be expected.  Don't let false expectations lead to early burnout.

Ex:  I thought playing golf in small town would be inexpensive and that I would do it often.  Turns out it is just as expensive and I haven't played once.  Although disappointed, I have decided it's no reason to pack back up and move.  (Ok, poor example... to some.)


3.  Enter the transition asking: "What can I do to serve this change?"  Not: "How can this change serve me?"

If Alissa and I moved to Nebraska asking how this move will make our lives better than we have missed God's intention completely.  Yes God wants to bless us - but change will lead to failure and/or sadness if born from selfish desire.

Phil 2:3 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves"

Ever since we arrived here I have noticed this transition has been different and better than most previous big changes and after a few weeks I realized why.  In the past every time big change has happened in my life I've been looking out for my own interests; getting my degree, getting my first job, etc.  Not all of these were intentionally selfish, but to some degree they were.  During this transition, however, I have been careful to ask God not what's in it for me, but how can I serve this community as best I can.  Not "what do I get" but "what can I give," and somehow having an outward focused attitude makes all the inward difficulties seem like less of a big deal.   That doesn't mean it's always fun or easy - but it is all worth it.

 What are some things that have helped you make it through transitions?