The Weight of Transitions

Major life transitions, such as marriage, motherhood, and loss, profoundly impact lives. In these moments, it’s easy to let go of who we were, the dreams we nurtured, the passions we pursued and the purpose we lived for.

But is that where it ends? Is purpose meant to be lost to the tides of change? Is the death of a loved one meant to stagnate our lives? Is marriage and childbirth meant to stall a woman’s purpose? I believe not, yet unfortunately, that’s the story of some, including a powerful minstrel I knew.

She was a great singer, she sang with a passion that stirred up hearts and drew people closer to God. Her music was her ministry. But then life happened. She got married and started a family.
Slowly, the songs stopped. Her voice grew silent, and her once vibrant ministry became buried under the weight of change. I don’t know much, but all I know is we stopped seeing much of her when she got married.

For some, it’s the birth of children. For others, it’s the loss of a loved one, a relocation, or the demands of a new career. Transitions can feel like a crossroads where the purpose is paused, or worse, forgotten.
However, hear me; purpose doesn’t disappear in transition, it adapts. Life’s changes may alter how we live out our purpose, but they don’t erase its existence. You may no longer sing on stages because you’re busy rocking your baby to sleep, but perhaps your purpose in this season is to instil faith in that little soul.

You may no longer lead meetings at work because grief has taken its toll, but perhaps the season requires that you allow God to heal you so you can comfort others in time.

The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that “To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Purpose evolves, and so must we. Times and seasons change, and we must adapt to ensure we grow in our pursuit of fulfilment.

Your roles may shift, but your gifts, passions, and calling often remain constant. Take time to reflect on how your purpose can find expression in your new season. If you’re a singer, sing to your children. If you’re a writer, jot down your thoughts in a journal. These small acts keep your passion alive until you’re ready to expand them.

However, if you feel lost in your transition, pray, seek God’s will, and trust that He can make all things work together for your good even in seasons of change.

Furthermore, it is crucial that in times like these, you surround yourself with people who encourage you; people who remind you of who you are and support you as you navigate life’s transitions. Sometimes, just one voice saying, “You’ve got this,” is all the difference we need.

It is often said that some marriages hit rock bottom when children are born, mostly because priorities change and couples fail to understand the emotional, physical, psychological and financial toll on each couple. Understand your partner, help him or her however you can and make sure their stars shine even when seasons change.

If you’ve lost a loved one, the weight of grief can make it feel like life has come to a standstill. But even in pain, there is a purpose. The loss may have dimmed your light for a moment, but it doesn’t have to extinguish it. Your experiences, as painful as they are, can become a source of strength and inspiration for others.

Look at Ruth in the Bible. After losing her husband, she could have given up. Instead, she chose to move forward, and her decision to stay with Naomi led her to Boaz and a place in the lineage of Christ.

To all who feel like life transitions have stolen their purpose, take heart. You are not alone. The weight of transition is heavy, but it’s not permanent. Your purpose is still within you, waiting to be rediscovered, reimagined, and reignited.

Remember, transitions aren’t the end; they’re a part of the journey, and to fulfil purpose many visions and goals must be realized. Like a caterpillar in a cocoon, these seasons may feel like confinement, but they are preparing you towards actualization.

So sing again, write again, dream again. Step boldly into the next chapter, knowing that the God who gave you your purpose will never let it fade, no matter how heavy the transitions may feel.

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