Transition into Something New
Stress or Eustress?
I’m in transition. I know that the Lord is in charge of it, and that I’m willing – so here we go… As most of you know, I’m a retired Episcopal priest, although the word “retired” should be in quotes. For about the last 15 years, I’ve continued to serve churches in part time capacities, such as interims and supply clergy on Sundays when needed.
For several months, I have been receiving those “inner nudges” that the time is drawing near for me to retire from those kinds of activities. “Inner nudges” that are not simply saying “Quit what you’re doing.” No, instead take on and develop the online ministry to people who have been spiritually abused by someone in their faith community, walking with them while they (and I) discover our path to healing. The Lord has been talking to me about this for more than a decade. And now the time has come. The decision has been made.
The month of June this year will be my last month of serving churches on Sunday, so that I can have the time and energy and focus to truly develop a wonderful, awesome ministry for us all. I envision retreats, workshops, published books and ebooks, and of course, a continuing blog. And I’m very excited. I’ve wanted to do this for so long.
That door is finally opening. Training events and more are being placed in front of my eyes for me to take advantage of, so that I can know more adequately how to do all these things. I’m already planning to publish a book and ebook this year and to host a retreat next year. (Did I mention that I’m excited about these possibilities?)
Transitions require change, don’t they. Otherwise there would be no transition. Obvious reasoning, right? Transitions can be stressful. They can take quite some time to be truly “seasoned” in the after effects. Some transitions bring difficulties and the kinds of stress that is entirely unwanted. Others can bring a time of joy, hope, and expectation. (That kind of stress is called “eustress.”) That’s what my current transition brings me: joy, hope, and expectation. Even while I’m spending hours at the computer learning how to do the nitty gritties of how to get there. I love it!
As I move along deeper into this transition, I will keep you posted. In the meantime, leave me a comment below. For example, when I’m ready to offer a retreat, would you consider attending?