Finding What’s Next: Creating New in Life’s Transitions

Life’s transitions can feel like stepping off a map into uncharted territory. Whether you’re facing the end of a ministry season, stepping away from a career, or simply sensing a stirring for something more, these in-between times can be both unsettling and full of potential. Even with the start of a new year, in some ways we get the gift of a blank canvas to work with. But we’re not sure where to start. Been there? I sure have!

I know how it feels to be stuck in the messy middle—uncertain about what’s next but unable to go back to what was. It’s disorienting and, at times, lonely. But it’s also where God does some of His most profound work in us. These “clean slate” moments come with an invitation to discern, discover and design something new in partnership with the Creator Himself!

In my own seasons of transition, I’ve found that clarity comes when I take time to pause and reflect on what matters most. What are my core values in this season? What do I need to thrive—spiritually, emotionally, and practically? These questions have become anchors for me, guiding me through the fog of uncertainty.

But clarity isn’t the end goal. It’s the launchpad. The next step is about creating—taking bold, faith-filled actions toward what’s next. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. I’ve seen this in my own life and in the lives of the leaders I coach. When we lean into the discomfort of change, trusting that God is leading us, something beautiful emerges.

If you’re in a season of transition, I want to encourage you: You’re not alone. There’s a path forward, and it begins with taking a step. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about how to navigate these in-between moments, rediscover your purpose, and step boldly into what’s next.

For now, let me leave you with this: What if this transition isn’t just about what you’re leaving behind? What if it’s about what you’re being called to create?

Take a moment to sit with that. Reflect on it. Then form the thought into a prayer, maybe something like “God, what’s the new You’re inviting me into?”

And when you’re ready, I’d love to hear what’s stirring in your heart.

We’re in this together.

-Tim

Winging It to a Winning Transition

Hey friend,

Change brings a deluge of concerns and considerations. When we are caught up in transition, it can be extremely hard to keep the big picture in front of us and maintain perspective.

A good practice in volatile and potentially dangerous situations, such as wilderness survival, is to maintain a posture of alertness by consistently doing these three things…

Look up. What’s above you that could be threatening your safety?

Look down. Where are your feet stepping? Is it safe?

Look around. Keep your head on a swivel. Take notice of things around, behind and in front of you.

Let’s apply this to seasons of transition.

To encourage us to keep looking up we have this word from Scripture…

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - Psalms 121:1-2 NIV

Above all else remember…God your Creator and Redeemer is on your side. Keep looking up!

For looking down and around we have wings!

But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” -Isaiah 40:31 MSG

Wings are essential to a successful transition.

A small or narrow view is required for focus, to get things done. And we all know there’s a ton of things to focus on, obvious by that ever-growing transition to-do list. However, when all our time and energy goes from one thing to the next, leaving no margin and space to cultivate a winged posture, we lose sight of the bigger picture and begin to grow weary and lose hope. Courage dwindles.

This can happen when the thing in front of us takes up all our space and causes us to lose all sense of proportion. A relational conflict, isolation, overwhelm, lack of clarity, unmet expectations... To see things right we must step back and away from them from time to time. And that’s exactly what wings are for.

We need wings to rise above the things! Wings are obtained and maintained through rhythms of rest and waiting. Hope is a by-product of waiting. And hope sustains us. Pretty great formula for sustaining life in transition I’d say!

How are you practicing rhythms of rest these days? As a result, what is your perspective? Let me challenge you to exercise those wings. Do you need some additional encouragement and resources around the theme of Sabbath and rest?  Tune into my latest episode of Navigate Podcast here.

Ready to process and work through your transition with a coach? Book a discovery call with me here.

- Tim

Risk, Uncertainty, and Perfectionism

Perfectionism. It tends to demand an unreasonable amount of preparedness, of getting our ducks in a row before stepping into something new. It can paralyze us completely or radically slow us down, especially in big transition seasons. I know because I’ve been there. Ok, I am there!

My most recent transition to full time coaching has held a fair amount of risk and uncertainty. Combine that with a strong desire to get it right the first time...well, you can see where I’m going.

If you have perfectionist tendencies coupled with being in a season of risk and uncertainty, here’s 2 tips to get you unstuck and moving forward...

1.    AVOID OVER-PREPARATION

Perfectionism left unchecked can hinder creativity and discovery. When we’re not feeling ready do something with excellence, we might avoid it altogether by leaning into a thousand other distractions. I’ve been successfully overcoming this pattern by NOT over-preparing and over-thinking certain areas of focus. For example, while I may be tempted to script a podcast conversation, I’ll choose not to. By resisting the urge to over-prepare and stifle creativity, I’m allowing for a more natural, free-flowing conversation.

We can never be fully prepared in uncharted territory. Transition to the new and unfamiliar must leave margin for mistakes and do-overs. The Spirit’s creative work is released into our lives when we acknowledge we don’t have all the answers.

2.    TAKE NOTICE MORE OFTEN

“Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” - Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

Cultivating an awareness of Gods presence with us throughout transition seasons is what sustains us through the uncertainty, calming our nerves and giving us courage. A regular practice of pausing and taking notice gets to the heart of what God wants...relationship. It also moves our focus away from perfection and performance. I like how this coach and author puts it....

“I discovered that Jesus was more interested in whether we did things together than if I did things right. And without even focusing on change, I changed—dramatically.” 

- Tony Stoltzfus, The Invitation

Some final thoughts...

The perfectionist in us can go to extremes. We may react by trying to predict possibilities and control outcomes. Or, we might simply stop engaging because it feels too hard to get it right. There’s a better, more balanced approach to navigating change. By avoiding over-preparation and taking notice more often I try to keep myself in the creative discovery zone of transition. What other practices have helped you?

Transition seasons have been called the messy middle. The upheaval is disturbing and unsettling. But don’t let the uncertainty be the only thing you see. Explore the possibilities. Discover the new.

Journey into discovery by scheduling a call with me HERE.

“When a yes is inspired by God’s timing and spoken in submission to God’s will, the servant is guarded and the Giver is glorified.” - Alicia Britt Chole, The Sacred Slow