Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry Jones
Associate Pastor to Young Adults, Trinity UCC
Psalm 30:5

A Long Night? 

Soundtrack: "When I Wake Up" by Jill Scott

So, you're in a new spot. A new place in life. Transition is in full effect. Your head is spinning, there is newness all around and the feeling of unfamiliarity is becoming very familiar.

If any of you are in such a place, you're grasping for a handle on things. Longing for a routine and waiting for the moment when you don't feel so far away from yourself. It feels like a long night, as the light of confidence in this place is fleeting.

Be encouraged. It's coming. We are growing into who God has called us to be. We are in a unique place in which our past, those other "good 'ol days," is intoxicating, causing us to reminisce to the point of missing. Simultaneously, the prospects of the future are calling. We are growing as professionals, spouses, partners, parents. We're handling our business. Wasn't it supposed to feel better than this?!

Yes. And it will. We will get the hang of this. We will master this place. Yet, the paradoxical truth is that as soon as we do, another change will be right around the corner. Transition and forward movement is part of what it means to be fruitful, and this is what God called us to back in the beginning (Gen. 1:28a). And we all know that the best fruit is the fruit that has endured a process of waiting and ripening. Fruit that is consumed before it has fully ripened is simply not as delicious. In other words, we are involved in a process of ripening, refining and preparation for what God has before us. Let's hold and "see what the end is gon' be." How do we do this? I am finding the following to work for me:

• Be patient with life and with yourself. Don't rush through this moment. Honor the place you are in. Psalm 139:5
• Recognize the Source of your strength and wisdom. Make a daily connection. Psalm 28:7
• Take the opportunity to learn something new about yourself and the world. When I first moved to Chicago, I felt more like a tourist than a resident. The sightseeing was good, but realized that I needed to brush up on my map-reading skills, and woman-up to the CTA (public transportation). If only you could see me now! Psalm 139:7-10
• Be thankful for your partners on the journey. Your girlfriends, your kinfolk, your spouses/partners, etc. Let them journey with you. Let them in. Philippians 1:3-5
• Smile. It feels really good and helps to renew perspective. Psalm 30:11-12

Prayer 

God, thank You for being there for me, just as You promised You would.

Thought for the day 

Let's endure this night until the morning comes. Until we wake up.