Taking in the transition

My favorite time of the day is that moment right after the sun has just about set for the night. The sky transitions from orange and pink hues to gray and midnight blues. Its that moment of change that occurs between day and night that gives off painted skies and beautiful views.

Its no wonder that this time of the day speaks to me....I love change. I love the challenge that comes with a new opportunity and the uncertainty of the unknown. My dad not only modeled a fervor for change, but he also taught me how to embrace and see it for the possibility waiting.

When I was a freshman in high school -- just three months into a new school year, at a new school, with a new boyfriend -- my dad came home from work to tell us that he was accepting a job transfer to St. Louis. We knew no one in St. Louis and the idea of picking up and moving there was not one that I relished. I remember that night like it was yesterday.

My sister and brother were out of the house, playing at the park with some of their friends. I heard the news first. I remember feeling like everything I cherished was being ripped from my hands. I left the house as soon as I could. I remember I left so quickly I didn't even take the time to put on shoes. I had to get out so that dad wouldn't see me cry. He was so happy and so was mom...my tears would have worried them and would have burst their bubble. I walked all the way to the park, barefoot, and ordered my siblings home.

It only took a few weeks for the move to sink in and for me to become OK with the change. However, fast forward just about two years and there I sat, in my home in St. Louis at a new school, with a new notoriety on campus, with new friends (no boyfriend this time). I sat in our living room mouth gapping open as my dad told us he was taking a job change once again that was going to move us back to Memphis -- where we had just moved from two years prior. It was almost comical....in fact I do remember us laughing at the ridiculous idea that we would be moving yet again.

It was then that my dad taught me that life was an adventure....a great adventure and if we stuck together as a family, we could make it through anything. He taught me to look for the positive possibility in the shifting sands of life and how to regain your footing when it sometimes throws you for a loop.

I have to admit that although change is a welcome concept in my life, I usually only like the positive change. However, the adventure still lies in what seems like a negative change...it may just require us to look harder for it.

Look for the beauty in transitioning to something new. Rise to the challenge of overcoming an unexpected obstacle. Just like dusk shifting in to night offers glorious skies, change and transition can uncover breathtaking character and awe inspiring visions. Open up, take in the transition.