Grief–sorrow, sadness, lament … perhaps even some anger or depression, maybe despair–are how we react to loss.  Every change, even good and desired change, entails some aspects of loss.  You get that long sought-after job and are now wondering if you’re really as capable and competent as you thought; plus you miss your old colleagues.  You marry your sweetheart, and start to realize that your level of flexibility and independence have … changed.  A baby arrives and nothing is the same.

Another word for change is transition.  “Change” simply means that things are different.  “Transition” is directional: a transition is an in-between time during which you move from your familiar “here” to a new and as yet undiscovered “there.”  Significant life transitions always require us to face and embrace some loss, along with the possibilities of the new.  And when we …

You probably have all kinds of things on your mind, occupying your attention, drawing your energy.  Some of what’s on your mind are good and necessary things; some are distracting, maybe even annoying; some are confusing or troubling; a couple may be painful, things you want to avoid; a few are exciting, encouraging, replenishing.

And somewhere in this complicated mix is your “one thing”: right now, if you could figure out this one thing, it would release you into a season of clearer focus, renewed energy and greater flourishing.  What is that one thing for you?

It’s likely not the first or second thing you would say.  What you would say first or second or third are not wrong, and they are likely connected in some way to your one thing … but they aren’t the one thing for you at this …