Activity abounded on Akeley Lane in August!
Countless people were involved in the renovations of the property that was to become the PCM (Protestant Campus Ministry) House adjacent to the Lock Haven University campus.
In the midst of the fervor, a PCM student who had not seen the property for several months, walked up the steps to the backyard and proclaimed instinctively, "Holy transformation!" He surprised himself after he said it, but it was a genuine response to the marvel of what had taken place. My comeback to him was, "It'll preach!"
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Rev. Dr. Jeffery A. Seeley
Three words are often used synonymously when, in fact, they have very different meanings - change, transition and transformation.
Change is inevitable and happens in all kinds of ways. Sometimes it is planned, sometimes not. Sometimes it is subtle; sometimes not. Sometimes we have control over it; sometimes not. Change ignites a whole host of emotions. Are you facing change right now?
Change happens but transitions are made. Transitions are intentional times for discernment that allow us to get our bearings, make sense of the world, and then make the best decisions we can in the face of inevitable change and evolving challenges. Transitions ask: "What can be done to create the best opportunity to handle this change in a healthy, life-giving way."
Unfortunately, we can get caught up in the change itself without making an appropriate transition to the new situation that is before us. Are you in transition right now?
The purpose of change is not to change for change's sake. The purpose of transition is not to glide aimlessly from one set of circumstances to another. The purpose of both is ultimately to be transformed.
Transformation is the new shape that grows out of transition. Transformation gives new life, new possibilities, new energy and a renewed sense of vision to proclaim God's kingdom. It announces the good news of God's grace, mercy and forgiveness to the world and, as Rev. Bryan Frederick-Gray once said, "to be a place of radical hospitality, abundant welcome, overflowing love, and contagious gratitude, all the while with a hunger for justice."
Are you being transformed right now?
Paul admonishes: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2).
May we embrace the transformation God wants for us, that God provides for us, in the days and years to come.
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This week's column comes from Rev. Dr. Jeffery A. Seeley, Protestant campus minister and assistant professor at Lock Haven University.
