Dealing with Change and Identity
As a new school year begins and I am not in the classroom I feel a deep longing to matter. There is emptiness where once were days filled with purpose – educating young minds. There are moments of great loss of a career that I deeply love and that has been my focus for so long.
During the summer I was doing fine as I always have had my summers off. But this week, when kids are back in school, the roar of change is great. My emotions slide to all extremes.
Some days the ache to be in the classroom is great. Other times I am rejoicing in the perpetual freedom I now have to govern my own days. I have moments of tears; times of lonesomeness; and even shards of regret at times. There is so much I wanted to do.
This morning I found a document I wrote to myself this spring when I made the decision to retire. It is a good reminder of what matters. I had listed many positive things that I could look forward to in this new part of life.
One of the biggest factors that faces me now lies in identity.
Who am I now, that I am no longer a school teacher? That question causes me to look deeply into my soul to discern who I really am. It is a question that will take some time to wade through as I determine how God wants me to spend my days and who He puts in my path now where I can be a person of influence.
In the midst of all this change I am immensely grateful to have the surety and consistency of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. While life might have its twists and turns and changes, Scripture promises us this:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
The basic concept here is that Jesus never changes. Unlike us humans who change as the mood strikes us, He is consistent. Salvation is freely given to all who believe in Him as Lord and Saviour. This promise is woven throughout Scripture. He is forever present to lead us, nurture us, provide for us, and love us. Nothing changes that – not any life shifts or troubles, successes or challenges.
Life in this world is never static. In any given week our lives can contain blessings without measure and challenges that bring us to our knees. There is a vast expanse of life experiences that we go through in each stage of life. Ups and downs, good and bad – all are a part of our existence until we reach our heavenly home.
What does that all mean when we face moments like I am now with significant life changes? Now, more than ever, is the time to hold onto the Anchor that is Christ. It’s not just a matter of us holding on; it is remembered that our Lord is also holding tight to us – ALWAYS!
I may not know what my days will look like in this new stage of life. None of knows what our future will be. We may plan and think we have it all covered, but nothing in life is certain and secure other than our Lord.
When we struggle with our identity, we can remember that we are always God’s beloved child. Whether we are business person or a truck driver or a stay-at-home mom, makes no difference. Jesus will walk beside us on EVERY road we take, good or bad.
Our purpose in life actually remains constant – to love the Lord with all our hearts and to reach out to care for others with Christian compassion. How we do that will change, but with our Lord’s help we will manage every stage of life with love and purpose.
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