karin dancy

There’s something about this time of year. School’s out, summer’s on, and transitions are underway.

In our home, a kindergartener is now a first grader. And we have two rising seniors, one in high school and one in college.

Friends have kiddos heading to sleepaway camps, where kids are learning to be a bit more independent, and mamas and dads are learning to let go a bit more. Cousins who just walked across high school stages with smiles are now heading to basic training, ready to serve our country with courage.

Transitions mean hellos and goodbyes and see-you-soons. A time for lots of smiles, pats on the back, and hugs filled with laughter. It’s also a time for tears, holding hands, and hugs that last longer than usual.

Times of transition can be both exciting and scary. Joyful and sad at the same time. Both/And kinds of moments when polar opposite feelings co-exist.

For those of us experiencing all kinds of changes that make us feel up one moment and down the next: You’re not alone. We’re all part of a pretty big crew of folks experiencing life’s seesaw and rollercoaster vibes. And we can lean on each other for understanding ears and hearts.

I know this for myself. Over the last 25 years, countless transitions have made my husband and me join hands, while biting our bottom lips and blinking back tears. Moments like dropping off our oldest child at college for the first time, many miles away. The first sleepover away from home for our middle blessing, when he was younger and so shy. Watching our littlest one walk into “big school” on the first day of kindergarten, his dino backpack swinging behind him.

Big moments of change happen. Big moments when our hearts and minds need big reassurance. Reassurance that everything, and everyone, will be okay. Reassurance that leaves us with fewer doubts and fears, replacing them with calmer minds and more peaceful hearts.

And, that reassurance comes from Someone who always looks out for us in the midst of life’s transitions. Someone who really sees us and cares about what we’re going through. And best of all, He walks with us and wraps His loving arms around us, so that we can feel less alone and braver about the road ahead.

Try this twist on a classic* when you need a reminder that God has you and the ones you love during transitions. If He cares for his tiniest creations (and He does), you best believe we have top billing. We’re never alone, y’all. And neither are the ones we love.

* I own zero rights to this personal fav.