Transitions

A few days back I received this text message:

This friend of mine [who happens to be a great at all things technical... check it out] once shared with me that effective bloggers post on a consistent basis, at an ideal time of day, with a sufficient amount of words [but not too many] and pictures [of decent quality]. 

Oops.

So, what does it look like to blog with this handsome guy at home? 

I have no idea. 

Quite honestly, Brooks and I have struggled to find our routine since his return home from Ranger School. The first few days we didn't even know how long it would take us to make breakfast, get ready, clean up and get ourselves out the door to make it somewhere on time. At times, this caused a bit of friction. But I assure you we are both beyond thankful for the lessons we are learning together in the transition. 

A couple of weeks before my hubby's return I read this post written by Kevin East, the former Executive Director of Ministries at Pine Cove. Kevin shares a bit about the transition he and his family are making as they come to the end of their time at Pine Cove. 

"...sometimes we find ourselves stuck somewhere in between what has been – and what could be.

That in-between time is what is known as a transition.  Transitions occur in the lives of business people, ministry leaders, moms, students, the churched and the un-churched.  For Christ-followers, these times of transition aren’t just about a job change or a change in where you live.  God does some of his most important formational work in the hearts of leaders during such times." 

What helpful words for those of us in the military who are, or are becoming, quite familiar with the process of moving from one way of life to another. 

Over the past five months Brooks and I went from: 

• being single to married.
• living in Oklahoma [me] & Georgia [Brooks], to living together [in Georgia], to living separately again [Ranger School].
• talking on the phone & Skype, to talking in person, to writing letters.
• living together again after Brooks completed Ranger School, yippie! 
• being here [in Georgia] to preparing for our upcoming move to Ft. Hood [in Texas]. 

Through all of this we have learned a few things:

• Recognize your expectations, so they don't broadside you. 
• Communicate, communicate, communicate. Lots of people told us this before we were married. It is true.
• Be patient... patient as you wait, patient with your spouse, and if you're like me, be especially patient with yourself. 
• Be flexible. You probably aren't going to get it right the first time. That doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to do so, but it is okay to make mistakes as you go along. 
• In the midst of transition, it is most important to seek the Lord and to strive for oneness with your spouse.

I am certain these lessons will continue to unfold as we are in this season of transition. Please pray for us as we prepare to part ways with friends we have made here at Ft. Benning, while looking forward to the friendships we will make at Ft. Hood. You can also be praying that we will find a house, apartment, or some kind of abode to make our home in Texas once again, but together this time!