My Turn -- How to Leave

Robin initially wrote this a week ago, but we didn't post it for fear that people might think we're frustrated or dissatisfied with our pastors or our current ministry position. This isn't the case at all. I re-read it and not only found it an excellent article... I think it would be wrong for us not to post it. Many people are dealing with transition incorrectly... and paying the price for it. Anyway, here's Robin's blog. Enjoy! - Jon

Okay, enough from the boys... it's my turn :)

As we are turning this new corner of our lives and moving to Southern Germany, I have been thinking of transitions.

I think for many people when there is a change ahead, God begins moving their hearts first and then moves the rest of them. There seems to be a general feeling of discontent. If we're not careful, we begin to look at our surroundings, our job or even our church as the source of this frustration... when actually it is God's leading. We may think that the job or church has changed; when in reality, it's still the same and we are changing.

I believe that we have a certain grace to be in the place where God has us at the time.

Acts 17: 26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

When the grace subsides, we begin to re-evaluate things and thus the feeling of discontent. If you are in transition, be careful not to get cynical when looking at your surroundings; just know that God is moving you on... and it's going to be an even better place than before!