Transitions: a time for looking forward

My wife and I recently worshipPed at the Pollocksville Presbyterian Church as the mother of a good friend celebrated her 101st birthday. She was honored at a luncheon where she delivered a delightful speech. Three days later her son texted that she had died. Once again we were back in the sanctuary for her memorial service.

In his sermon, the pastor said, “Six days ago she talked with her family and friends. Three days later she was talking with Jesus. What a transition!” Transition — “the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.”

In a week’s time, I heard the word “transition” numerous times in a variety of settings. The host of the NPR Marketplace podcast reported on the transition of students from high school to college, the transition from gas powered to electric vehicles, worker protections during the transition to clean energy, and programs that make it easier for veterans to transition to civilian jobs.

A few weeks ago my wife and I rode through her hometown of Riegelwood and stopped at the house where she grew up. The new owners graciously let us walk through the house which is undergoing a major transition and renovation. We both commented that the house didn’t seem as big as we remembered.

Then there is the great transition in my life as I navigate what it means to be retired after forty years of ordained ministry, the last twenty-five of which were as pastor of the Wallace Presbyterian Church. As part of my retirement planning, I made use of resources provided by the Presbyterian Church for members preparing to transition into retirement.

When I announced my retirement in January, many people said, “What are we going to do? We’re never going to be able to replace you. There will never be another Dr. Phil!” My answer was, “You’re going to keep sharing the gospel and serving Jesus Christ, just as the members of this congregation have done since 1884. And, no, the next pastor will not be Dr. Phil. That’s OK, that’s a good thing.” The congregation has the opportunity to find out who they are and what God is calling them to do.

A major transition can be challenging, of course, but it can also be exciting and promising.

My return to writing a faith-based column is the result of the transition to a new weekly newspaper in our community. In his editorial two weeks ago, Jim Sills wrote, “While it is true that media has changed, as have many businesses in our society, it is also true that the need for quality local news coverage has never been higher.”

When Jim asked me to be part of the new adventure called Duplin Journal, I was pleased to accept. In my monthly columns, I will reflect on our life together as we go through the regular and inevitable transitions of life. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and hope to hear from you.

Philip Gladden is a retired Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister who lives in Wallace, NC.
He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.