Transitions. . . (again)

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
you are my crag and my stronghold.

I call my blog "turtle on wheels" because I often feel as though life is made up of long, drawn out processes which then take on a sudden speed that feels as uncontrollable and chaotic as the long, drawn out processes feel overwhelming and frustrating. My search for a new position (which began in late December) has truly fit this image. I've answered requests for essays, copies of sermons, recordings of sermons, and personal profiles. I've spent countless hours on phone interviews and have made several trips of various lengths for face-to-face interviews.

And then, just when I began to wonder if the right position was out there waiting for me - knowing deep within that it was, and I just needed to keep on praying and practicing patience - just then. . . the offer arrived. And now, the turtle has boarded the skateboard and is rushing down the hill - phone calls to movers, realtors, landlords, negotiating letters of agreement, tying up loose ends, saying good-bye, saying hello. . . it all becomes a reality and I'm in the midst of it just trying to hang on for the ride.

Psalm 71, from this morning's Daily Office, offers just the steadiness that times like this call for. It reminds us that even when life feels out of control, it is well under control - God's, not ours.

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; *
you have done great things;who is like you, O God?

It reminds us that this is a lifelong process, not a quick-fix, once-and-for-all solution.

O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.

And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, *
till I make known your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come.

And it reminds me of my own roll in all of this:

But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.

Psalm 71 In te, Domine, speravi, translation from The Book of Common Prayer.

Comments

Joyce said…
Hey Debra Congratulations. What is your new position and where?
Ryan said…
Many congratulations and good luck on your transitions and move. The people of New Jersey will never be the same.

-R
Anonymous said…
New Jersey is thrilled and can hardly wait for you to arrive! Yes, we may not be the same, but surely we shall be enriched. Welcome, and be advised you are coming to a land of turtles. Our roads even have "turtle crossings" so drive carefully, turtles are considered special here, including turtles on wheels.
Thanks for the welcome Barbara! Every time I drive down Stone Harbor Boulevard, I pass the "Turtle Singer's" home and see the "Caution, Turtle Crossing" signs. Cleary, I am landing in the right place.