Moving On

16 Apr

“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”  ~ Steve Maraboli

This past weekend, several parishes throughout the Diocese of Gary made announcements about upcoming assignment changes effective July 1st. This is a time of year that often provides a great deal of anxiety to the clergy as they prepare to say goodbye to one parish assignment and hello to another community. It is akin to the stresses that others feel at this time of year as they prepare to say goodbye to grade school, high school, or college and move on to the next stage of their lives.

Moving on can be very stressful. I daresay, moving on can even be quite traumatic. It is difficult to leave the familiar behind and head to a newness that is filled with unpredictability. There are often a great many things that need to be accomplished in order to make the move. There is, of course, the packing that needs to be done. The longer one remains at a place, the more “stuff” accumulates. There are also the final visits among parishioners, lunches and dinners out, and all the preparations to sever ties. Some people will be kept up with; but, most will not be seen again in the foreseeable future.

That is the hard part: thinking that some people are going to be “history”. We like to think that people are in our lives to stay. That is not always the case. When we move on, relationships do not always remain intact. We discovered that in the early time of our lives as we moved to grade schools and high schools. Some relationships will survive the test of time and distance. We celebrate those. Others become history. We grieve their loss.

Moving on can be quite healthy for us. Without moving on, we will not be able to meet new people, engage in new activities, and become better people. Each new relationship, each new experience, makes us more mature in mind, body, and spirit. Change may be difficult; but, change can also be transforming.

To all of those who look to upcoming change in their lives: embrace the change. God has been with you in the past. He will most certainly not fail you in the future. Other things may become history; but, your relationship with God is never history. It is always destiny. Be confident and unafraid!

FAITH ACTION:  Pray for those who are preparing to move on in life, that they may embrace their moves and find peace in doing so.