Transitions

Sister Rosanna Hodlik
made her First Profession of vows
on Saturday, June 30, 2007,
at Marymount Congregational Home
celebrated at 10:30 AM Eucharistic Liturgy.
On the occasion of this "transition,"
Sr. Rosanna shares the following reflections.

It begins with an ending, a departure from where we are to the unknown. The middle time is spent in emotional chaos as sadness and excitement alternate within. This is a time of preparation, but we may not know what we are preparing for, and trust the outcome will be favorable. Finally, we see the new coming toward us and know our lives will be forever changed from where we began.

The word "transit" is contained in transitions. It s movement or constant motion with nothing staying steady. It is a time when everything is in flux. Uncertainty becomes a friend. Trust that all will be well is the gift we pray for at this time. It is a time of darkness , and we keep looking to see the light.

Over the past three years, I have walked this transition path from one place to another. I have said many "hellos" and have sadly said many "good-byes." I have choked down tears as I packed my belongings, not knowing if my path would ever cross again those whose lives have touched mine. As a Franciscan, I know I am a pilgrim person and nothing along my journey is to be held as my own. This knowing, however, doesn’t make it easier as I move along my path in life.

Transitions allow us to grow. Our focus becomes our daily dependence on God who we know is the only source we can depend on to stay in our lives. Others will come and go. The "we" in our lives at this time is God and I.

Seeing God in the other allows us to see God in ourselves. And there are many others in our transitions. Those who walk the transition path are graced with many others, many faces of God. Some are there to offer advice and encouragement. Some are there to help us in our weakest moments. And then, some are there to show us the truth about ourselves that we have been unwilling to face.

Transitions can be a time of many graces if we are open to receiving them. If we cling to what was, we will never see what can be. Our eyes will be shut to new possibilities. We will forever be in a state of comparing the old with the new. Opportunities will be lost to us as we turn our backs. Regret at losing what was will be our only companion. The lonely middle time will become even lonelier.

Transitions are also a time when we learn to be gentle with ourselves. We slow down. Our minds suddenly seem not to function. We forget things. We get tired easily and want to sleep away the day. Small tasks seem to drain us of our energy. Our terrain is very unfamiliar, and we tend to lose our way.

And then, we adjust. We realize that the only way forward is to a new beginning. Our outlook changes and we see the light shining in the darkness. We have come to the end of our transition and look forward to living each day in the new.