Uprooted and Replanted

by Carrie Moss

While there are certainly people that like change (me!), it’s hard to find anyone that likes transition… the unavoidable, messy middle as one thing ends, and another begins. You are likely now just coming out of the throes of transition from summer at camp and beginning to settle into wherever God has you this fall. You’ve uprooted from where you were (yay Fort!) but before you can become securely rooted in your new “home,” you are left dangling for a time in-between. This can leave you feeling disoriented and vulnerable. 

Here are a few encouragements I have for you as you navigate expected and unexpected seasons of transition:

Reflect intentionally on the past. Take time to think back over the summer and consider what was good, what you learned, and how you grew. Then consider how you can carry those realities into your life this fall. This creates continuity of your personhood and faith.
Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Don’t wish away this time. As people, we are all about the end goal, but God is about the process. As a super impatient person, I prefer to skip the whole transition phase and jump to what I imagine to be my thriving future. Resist that urge and trust that God is sovereignly using this time to prepare you for what is next.
Philippians 1:6 “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Remember that you are not alone. Transition means change for your friendships and community. Loneliness is common, but do not despair! God is ever-present and so near to you, as always.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Anchor yourself in the Lord. While everything else is shifting, God’s faithfulness and love for you is not. He is the one thing that never changes. This is your firm foundation when everything else around you is in motion.
Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Re-root quickly and deeply. If the temporary community of summer camp can form so quickly, it can happen where you are this fall, too. Need some Miracle Grow for your roots? Step out of your comfort zone regularly, ask good questions of the people around you, commit to authenticity and vulnerability, get involved in a local church, and pray fervently for God to guide you.
Psalms 25:5 “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”