Transition

Although Dec. 31 is the year end, the last week of June marks completion for many. The school year closes, organizations take a summer break, many choose this date for retirement. Yet, as June draws to a close, the promise of July emerges. Summer invites a change of pace, anticipation of special times with family and friends, warm days and moments to remember. We move through that transition easily and naturally, as if change is what we are meant to be about.

Greek philosopher Heraclitus is famous for saying “The only thing that is constant is change.” He invites us to remember that time passes with circumstances and situations. He is remembered for another famous quote, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Time passes, life changes and so do we. We are constantly transitioning to the next chapter, and it happens faster that you think.

Graduations bring out the philosopher in me, yet the possibilities for high school graduates, with the world before them, are held alongside concern that they might not know all they need to know for the next chapter. Suddenly they will be having to make adult decisions, and their parents may not be consulted. It’s a transition for everyone.

If you are part of a congregation who follows the common lectionary, you are probably making your way through the book of Samuel. Parts of the story are too horrible to read, actually, but then there are the parts we already know. Tucked into the 17th chapter of 1st Samuel is the epic tale of David and Goliath. David, Jesse’s youngest son, is called from the sheep pasture to be anointed king, and is challenged with facing the giant. David, proves his worth with insight, skill and confidence, even though nobody really knows he possesses those skills — nobody except, in this case, the God of Israel.

Talk about transitions! Who prepared him? How will he know to be king? What does this mean for the people? David makes his share of mistakes, but history treats him well. He is remembered and revered as a great king, albeit one who shows through the Psalms his share of personal anguish and dependence on God.

Perhaps that is the point. Life changes and challenges each of us. No one does step in the same river twice. But the constant presence of the sacred, however we see or name that, goes with us. Leaning into that dependence in each challenge and transition would be good advice for anyone.

A faith for today invites a reconnection with the mystery we call God, which surrounds us and accompanies us through each challenge. Inviting that presence to shape and inform connects us with those who have made the transitions before us, those who form the river of life.

“Graduations bring out the philosopher in me, yet the possibilities for high school graduates, with the world before them, are held alongside concern that they might not know all they need to know for the next chapter.”