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We all encounter transitions in life, moments that reshape our path and push us to grow. Starting a new graduate program, moving from school to the workforce, or stepping into ministry— these life-changing experiences impact us deeply, shaping our emotions, perspectives, and ultimately our inner worlds. Transitions, whether as ordinary as a daily change or as profound as a life-altering decision, invite us to explore the complexity of our inner worlds. They often elicit ambivalent emotions—excitement mixed with worry, and joy intertwined with fear. For example, consider the thrill of starting a new church job: while it brings a sense of excitement and possibility, it can also provoke feelings of nervousness and anxiety as we confront the challenges that lie ahead. In these moments, we confront both the possibilities of change and the uncertainties it brings, navigating a journey that shapes who we are and how we respond to the world around us.
Meta-emotions
Psychologists John Gottman and Mark Brackett have explored a concept known as meta-emotion, which refers to the experience of emotions about our own feelings. In transitions, we frequently encounter these layered responses: we might feel happiness from our excitement, yet anxious or critical of our nervousness. Meta-emotions reveal our judgments and attitudes toward our own emotional states, allowing us to see how we respond internally to the changes unfolding around us.[i]
In my work as a psychotherapist, I see how often people feel torn in these moments of transition. While part of us seeks comfort in the familiar, another part longs to grow and adapt, embracing the opportunities change brings. This duality can be unsettling; transitions, by nature, are infused with uncertainty. In today’s fast-paced world, this uncertainty frequently triggers anxiety—one of the most prevalent emotions experienced during transitions. As humans, we naturally feel uneasy when confronted with change, particularly when it disrupts our familiar routines and comfort zones.
Reflecting on my own journey, I have encountered numerous transitions. From relocating to foreign countries for my academic studies to embarking on several graduate degree programs, stepping into ordained ministry, and taking on multiple roles in caregiving as a chaplain and psychotherapist, along with the experience of motherhood—each of these stages has profoundly shaped my path. Each stage brought with it a sense of meta-emotion, leaving me feeling nervous, unsure, and longing for security and stability.
Learning to trust
There were moments when the fear of the unknown loomed large, casting shadows over my aspirations. Yet, through prayer and reliance on God’s guidance, I began to recognize that these feelings were an integral part of my journey. Each moment of doubt became a stepping stone toward a deeper trust in God’s plan for my life. It was during those vulnerable times, when I felt most unsettled, that I experienced the profound presence of God. I learned that transitions create sacred spaces for growth, fostering trust in Him and awakening a deeper understanding of His purpose for my life.
Transition then, can become a sacred journey—an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. In those moments, we can find solace in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength. Each step we take is a movement toward a future we cannot fully see, yet our trust in God's promises sustains us. We learn to lean into our faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way, leading us through the valleys and onto the mountaintops.
Finally, I have come to realize that our Christian life is inherently transitional. The Bible reminds us that our existence in this world is temporary; we are likened to “foreigners and exiles,” as stated in 1 Peter 2:11. This perspective encourages us to embrace our journey with hope and anticipation, knowing that we are ultimately moving toward our eternal home.
We are on a pilgrimage, journeying toward our eternal Father's house. Every moment of transition invites us to reflect on our ultimate purpose and identity as children of God. Each transition is a divine invitation to grow in faith, to trust in His unfailing love, and to embrace the unknown with hope.
Let me end with a Korean praise song that I often sing during my daily devotion. I long to offer these praises when I stand before my Father upon returning to my eternal home.
내 하나님 서신 발 앞에 무릎 꿇고 경배하리.
큰 권능과 영광이 가득한 내 아버지 계신 이곳에서.
오 하나님 그 빛난 얼굴 뵈오며 두 손 들고 나아가리 .
찬송과 존귀와 영광과 능력을 그 하늘 보좌 위의 주님께 드리리.
내 하나님 서신 발 앞에 무릎 꿇고 경배하리 큰 권능과 영광이 가득한 내 아버지 계신 이곳에서.
My God, I kneel before Your feet,
And I humbly worship You.
In this sacred place where my Father dwells,
Filled with Your great power and glory.
O God, as I gaze upon Your shining face,
I come forward with hands lifted high.
I offer You my praise, honor, glory, and power,
To the Lord who reigns on high.
My God, I kneel before Your feet,
And I will worship You,
In this sacred place where my Father dwells,
Filled with Your great power and glory.
[i] Marc A. Brackett, Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive (New York: Celadon Books, 2019); John M. Gottman, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (New York: Crown Publishers, 1999).
