Transitions I: A Walk in the Garden

Change.  What causes it?  Something that disrupts the present state that results in an evolution from the “status quo” to a “state of flux” is a catalyst of change, for instance, the spark that ignites the first flame.  During a “state of flux,”—when life is fluid, moving, and changing—a series of transitions occurs when people are in between their “status quo”—life as usual—present and their “never experienced before” future.  These transitional events change the lives of the people the catalyst effects.  

       Transition.  What is its importance?  Transition is necessary to get from one stage in life to another.  Without transition, there would be no “passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another”.¹ Without transition, the shock of moving from one set of circumstances to another would be too overwhelming, and yet to effect change, a shock or catalyst must be placed in the present state system.

Let’s look at Jesus’ transition from His earthly sojourn to His ascension into heaven, where today He lives, reigns, and sits at the right hand of God.²  The scene takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus often met with His disciples.³  All were present except Judas, who having had Satan enter him, left Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper table and went to meet with the Jewish leaders to which he would betray Jesus.⁴  Jesus had often used the garden on the slope of the Mount of Olives as a place of solitude for prayer, avoiding the crowds of people continually following Him.⁵  So far, nothing unusual is taking place; to the disciples it’s a “status quo”—as usual—walk in the garden.

Then accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives.  There he told them, “Pray that you will not be overcome by temptation.”⁶ —Christ, the catalyst

1. Webster’s Dictionary, p1254, italics added
2. Luke 22:69, Acts 1:3,9, 2:30-36, 7:55-56, Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, 8:1, 10:12, 12:1-2, 1 Peter 3:22
3. John 18:1-2
4. John 13:2,27, 30, 18:3, Matthew 26:14-16
5. Matthew 14:23, Luke 6:12, 9:28, 22:39-40, John 18:1-2
6. Luke 22:39-40

Excerpt from A Spiritual Diary, “Transitions,” part 1 of a 6 part series. Copyright © August 4, 2004 by Jeff Cambridge