The night we brought home our baby boy from the adoption agency a few months ago, I made the sudden transition from being a woman who has never had a baby to being the mother of a toddler. No nine-month pregnancy followed by a few months of having a tiny, little bundle who can’t move without my help. Oh no. Our baby ran! He jumped! He was curious about everything!
The minute we walked in and I let baby Alex down from my arms, he took off exploring our little extended-stay hotel suite! “Yaaaa!” he yelled from the living room as he threw one leg onto the sofa cushion to hoist himself onto the sofa. Within seconds, he noticed the remote control on the coffee table and slid down from the sofa on his stomach to grab it. He pushed the buttons for a few seconds. We have no idea which buttons he pushed, but it took a while to get the TV back on. Next, he ran into the bathroom and discovered the floor-level miniature washing machine. “Oooooh”! he cooed, as the buttons lit up and beeped to his delight upon touching them. He played with everything from the dishwasher to the bathtub knobs! I was happy and shell-shocked all at once. My husband, who is the father of my two bonus daughters (our term for “step”), was completely cool. This is his third go at fatherhood. He knew exactly what one-year olds are like. I, on the other hand, was in for the biggest transition of my life. Easing into this transition wasn’t an option, and looking back, it was perfect – the timing, the baby, the circumstances. I have found that even when I try to control what I think matters, God’s plan is always the best plan.
A few months have passed now and I have settled into the sweet experience of parenting a curious, happy, energetic little boy. I am learning all sorts of lessons. And this week, I feel led to share this one:
Transition can be jolting, but if you embrace it,
it can catapult you to a new and better place in your life.
When you are thrust out of your comfort zone, it feels so uncomfortable. Soon, that discomfort turns to ease as your comfort zone is expanded and your capacity to handle a new level of life grows. Whether your transition is professional or personal, financial or relational, give it time. You’ll adjust. Let go of the need to be in control. With courage and curiosity, open yourself to the adventure of life and you’ll grow in new ways that stretch you and grow you like never before.
My challenge to you this week:
Let yourself be jolted out of your comfort zone. Embrace your transition with courage and a sense of adventure.
Journal about it:
Be honest. What fears or concerns does a new change in your life conjure up for you? What do you want it to look like when this new change in your life becomes your new normal?
