Transition Time

The month of May is the time of the year when a high school senior's emotions are running wild. Graduation quickly is approaching, and the next phase of life if about to be written. For some, they are about to leave behind parents, friends, pastors, girlfriends and boyfriends to embark on a new voyage with lots of changes and challenges. Dreams and aspirations are on the heart of many graduating seniors. Answering questions from Aunt Molly such as, "What's the will of God for your life?" or at least, "What's your major going to be?" are heavy on the hearts of followers of Jesus who are heading off to college. Take a deep breath. You don't have to have it all figured out by next Friday.

Let me offer some advice as many of you prepare for the next phase and have some time this summer to slow down and look forward.

First, take time for quiet moments. Find a quiet spot where you can really be alone and not distracted. For extroverts, this might be difficult; but it will be worth taking some time away from the crowd to collect your thoughts and reflect. Take a Bible, some worship music, a pen, a journal and some snacks with you. Go to God's creation or the library. In the gap between high school graduation and the beginning of college is a great pause in life. Look back and reflect on how you have lived life and what you might want to change, and ask God for forgiveness if you have run from Him in areas. Then commit fully to Him as you move forward. Look forward by setting goals for yourself with God. Take some time and ask Him to help you stand against temptations and live fully for Him as you head to college. Organize your thoughts and plan to make wise decisions.

Second, spend time with the important people in life. For many of you, your parents have been the most influential people in your life. Spend quality and quantity time with them. Do this first and make it a priority. Taking this transition time with your parents will be very important to them because they are working out their own emotions as their child leaves high school. Tell them you love them and listen to their advice.

Next, take some time with your siblings. Some of you have younger brothers and sisters who look up to you whether you realize it or not. Take some planned time with them. This will be a powerful time.

Next, yes, take time with friends who you will not see until Thanksgiving or Christmas break. Do not go out every night with them, but take some time to tell them how much you love them and will miss them. This will be a healthy transition.

Finally, take time with others. Set up a time with your pastor, youth pastor and other influential adults in your life. Thank them for their investment in you. Many of them will be working through their own set of emotions during this transition time. They will miss you. Pray together and anticipate what God is going to do in your life.

Take the summer months to be very intentional about your time with God and others. If you don't plan for it now, you will miss an opportunity to slow down, reflect, pray and say, "See you later" in a healthy way. This is such an exciting time. Enjoy it.