Transition is a real phenomenon. What happens between
already and not yet is not easy to articulate or to navigate. But here we are,
full on in transition. We know we are not alone, but it can feel like it.
That’s how it is.
An author whose writing helps us as we
transition reminds us that it is very important to acknowledge our endings well,
so we leave no unfinished business of heart, mind or hands when heading into
new beginnings. She also makes a metaphor for Easter from the phases of
transition. She notes that the disciples of Jesus suddenly faced an unexpected
ending when He died. Friday night and all day Saturday we can imagine the
“disengagement, dismantling, dis-identifying, disenchantment and disorientation
they experienced.” (https://www.wattsyourpathway.co.uk/2019/04/12/endings/)
We are moving back and forth within
these components of transition as we prepare to leave Uganda and begin life
anew in Indiana. But unlike the disciples of Jesus, we know ahead of time about
Easter morning. We know the resurrection joy even as we contemplate the
suffering of the cross. We know that even during our disengagement,
dismantling, and so on, that Christ is present. He is with us. He is the One
whom we follow. He is our anchor.
Still, even though our Anchor is sure,
we get a little storm-tossed in transition. But this is not something new to us
and we have learned a few coping skills through the years. Self-care is
important and acts of worship help to keep us grounded in Christ, focused on
His goodness even when we feel like an island all alone in a deep sea.
So, this Easter weekend, while
contemplating the Love of our Lord that compelled Him to suffer and be
crucified for us, we chose to celebrate Love Himself. For us, celebrating the
marriage of friends was the perfect scenario for us to celebrate God’s
faithfulness to us all. And our acts of worship included dancing with joy,
serving food to friends, praying blessings over others and reveling in God’s
Presence with us. Listening to praise and worship music kept our hearts
rejoicing and our minds focused on Christ.
This may be an ending for us of
African celebrations like this, but we believe that the celebrations to come at
the Feast of the Lamb will be even better. So, for now, between the already and
the not yet, we choose joy, resurrection joy.
Credits: Photos at celebration of
Colby and Natalie Gillespie, in Namuwongo, Kampala, Uganda
Photos by Jeff Stanfield and by Lena M.
