A New Perspective

In the course of any new transition there are eight different phases. These phases listed below are obviously enhanced whenever one decides to move overseas, however can also be experienced whenever anyone makes a move.

DENIAL (ANTICIPATORY STRESS) - "It can't be happening to me." (Good coping mechanism.) Preparation stage; moving confusion.

HONEYMOON PHASE (ANTICIPATION AND ANXIETY) - Excitement over the upcoming relocation and the "newness" of it all may cloud other feelings.

DISENCHANTMENT (BEGINNING OF THE READJUSTMENT CRISIS) - Often coupled with feelings of dislocation. Little things become major hassles (finding the right foods; remembering where you packed something, etc.)

ANGER - May develop as disenchantment and frustrations grow. There may be a sense of loss, separation, anxiety and/or a perceived lack of control.

GUILT - Guilt may arise over the decision to relocate, especially for the relocated employee if the family is having serious difficulties.

GRIEF or DEPRESSION - Depression may set in as individual and/or family confronts changes, disappointments and difficulties during the adjustment period.

ACCEPTANCE - Coming to terms with our feelings and re-accepting our new lifestyle. The realization that something is changing; that different can also be good.

ADAPT AND ENJOY

For me this week DISENCHANTMENT was really the key issue. I am away from the routine of life that I had become accustomed too, and trying to establish a life here.

So now for the good part of my story.
I decided the only way out of my funky mood was to just get out and smile at some others. Stop thinking about me, myself and I and find out who I could be Jesus too!

I went to the Galleria mall here in Dallas, found a cup of coffee and sat down to people watch around the ice rink. I was reading the poster on the table and found out that Kurt Browning (4 time world champion ice skater) was going to be on the ice below me in less than an hour! LOVE IT!!! So I was sitting there minding my own, when a lady came up and asked if she could share the table with me and her 80 year old aunt. I said, "Of course". So she came along and they sat down to wait and watch, and then there were two other ladies who came to sit down. We introduced ourself, and laughed at how fun the Christmas season was that brought perfect strangers to sit down next to each other.

Kurt Browning took the ice and WOW! Amazing!
To think I would have missed the blessing had I just continued to sit at home and feel sorry for myself.

James 1: 5-6

If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Psalm 34:8-10

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him! Let the Lord's people show Him reverence, for those who honor Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.

Be blessed today!

Atlanta, the Eagles have Landed

After taking a wrong turn leaving my friend Judy Martin's house in Columbus, GA, I broke all sorts of speed laws yesterday, trying to get Atlanta airport before my parents came out of the gate. I had looked at their itenerary that morning and saw 4:41 arrival.....when I looked when I got on the car, the numbers had magically changed on the paper to say 4:14!! Oh joy!

It was 3:40 when I left Columbus, it was an hour and half drive to Atlanta....I was so in trouble.
Then the wrong turn onto the intrastate highway.....Of course, every backwoods, old person who doesn't know that they have upped the speed limit from 35 mph years ago...drove in front of me. Note here that I did not curse in anyway, but I did pray really hard!!

Finally, up ahead a clearing through the trees, and I see the most beautiful thing I have seen on this trip - and this trip has been so beautiful with the changing of leaves, etc - there it was...INTERSTATE 85!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!

I hopped on and drove at speeds I could have been arrested for....praying all the way that I would not pass any cops....and I did not.

I got into the airport....and literally ran to the baggage claim, where flight 2227 from London was no where to be found. So I then walked quickly to the arrival area, just in time to see them walking towards me!!!! yes!!!!! Baggage claim flashed up their flight....their bags all got here safe and sound, we drove to pick up the other brother....and joy of joy we are all together!

Praise the Lord!