Times of transition, crossroads and crises

 



TRANSITIONS. We all have lots of small transitions as we grow and change in life, moving from one situation to another, developing relationships, etc. We also have more major transition times when we pass a threshold that changes life in significant ways so that we will never be the same again. I've often pondered the concept I call "crossroads and crises" - the idea that in life, we have two different major kinds of transitional events: the known, expected, predictable ones (crossroads), and the sudden, unforeseen, unplanned ones (crises).
Ten years ago today, we witnessed a crossroad transition in the life of our son, as he returned from his 2-year missionary service in Chile. About 11 1/2 years ago, our daughter went through another one of the big ones as she was married. Those were both joyful crossroads - for them and for us.
We have also passed through our share of crises in life, including major illnesses, accidents, financial challenges, etc.
If we are wise, we plan for the crossroads that we anticipate ahead. We can foresee many things that are likely to come in life, depending on our situation: graduation, moving to a new home, raising children, employment changes, empty nest, retirement.
If we are wise, we will also plan for the unexpected and unforeseen, things like serious accident, loss of income or employment, disease.
Plan for the unexpected? How can you plan for something you don't know will come? In general, you start by being aware of the world and its potential impacts. You watch what goes on around you, and ponder what you would do if that happened to you, and how you might be ready to cope if it happened - when it happens.
You prepare for possible financial crises by saving carefully and establishing wise fiscal habits, knowing about investments and insurance, etc.
You prepare for possible physical or health crises by taking good care of your body, developing good habits of diet and exercise, being insured.
You prepare for possible emotional crises by finding strength in relationships and associations and having a strong and accurate self-concept.
You prepare for challenges by becoming strong and resilient, by keeping the long-term perspective of how transitions fit in life, and by having a solid spiritual foundation to increase your perspective.
As I approach my own mission completion and the transition it will bring, I #GiveThanks for the things I've learned in life to help me deal with crossroads and crises. I look forward with joy to more transitions to come!

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