The Pilgrimage - Transitions

Transitions. Not a big fan. Never have been. A simple definition of a transition is “changing from one thing -- to the next.”

That’s the problem…changing. Change is great—when I get to dictate and manipulate it…which is almost never. I kinda like the “one thing” part (stability/predictability) …not a fan of “the next” (unknown) part. I especially don’t care for the time BETWEEN “one thing --and “the next.”

Did you follow that?

We go through a bunch of ‘em over the years. Loss of our first tooth, for example.  And then there’s that wonderful chapter called puberty—which is basically teenage purgatory. It’s not quite hell, but when you are 13, you can feel the flames a bit. I greatly disliked my middle school years.

Then there is the transition into adulthood thing. Even that has gotten funkier with what psychologists call extended adolescence. For millennia we transitioned between 16-22 years old.  Now, some experts claim it is not taking place for some until age 28-30—or even later! Hmmmmm.

Of course, many of us experience the granddaddy called marriage. Serious transition going on there. Somebody said that our wedding vows should’ve included, “Do you promise to always help him find his stuff that is right in front of him?” --because you’re going to be doing that for the rest of your married life.

Having kids. Shaping them, loving them-- and then they leave ya. We cried like babies when our kids left. The physical house seemed so much BIGGER. Right? What a phenomenon that was.

And job changes. Ugh. They can seem so daunting and scary.

Divorce. Cancer. Death of someone you never fathomed you would be living without. Boom.

And now, here I am on the verge of the very transition I have looked forward to my entire life. I bet you also look forward to this life-shift.

Retirement.

Now that it is around the corner, however, I find myself anxious at times. On January 1, 2026, Kody Kumfer will become executive director at FCW. We have been hatching this plan with the Board of Directors for five years. We have been very strategic, and Kody will be an excellent leader. Everyone is in good hands. I have no fear, as the founder of FCW, of placing the “baby” into Kody’s arms. All is well. You are going to love him and the professional, caring FCW team.

I officially retire on March 6, 2026. They are going to let me hang around and assist here and there. I especially look forward to dropping in unannounced and planting myself in their office chairs from time to time. Maybe this retirement gig will be cool after all. I got all the time in the world…

I get a lot of butterflies these days. I think the ever-looming question is—will I be relevant? I have always had purpose in my life—pastor, counselor, FCW founder. I try not to fret, but sometimes I feel a bit dazed.

But, when I have my right mind and my brain is free of muddle, I know one thing to be true.

I have always navigated transitions successfully. I bet you have too. My/your fears were seldom realized. I have learned so much in the darkness of life. And, while I still hate question marks, they have always served a purpose and made me a better human and a more in-tune apprentice of Jesus.  

HE has not let me down. Stretched the heck out of me-- but never let me down.

What’s your next transition? I hope that while you are on this Pilgrimage called life that you will not waste time fretting. It will work out. It will be frightening and worrisome at times—but the adventure will be awesome if you choose to let it be so. Choose to embrace the adventure of your next transition, will ya?

Stay tuned. I’ll try to remember to let you know how they journey is going. The Powers That Be said they want me to continue writing The Pilgrimage…so you are stuck with me even after the transition.

For extra credit, meditate on Isaiah 43:19 –

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

To respond to any Pilgrimage devotional, you can email me directly at [email protected]

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