Life transitions are made of a beginning, middle, and end stage. The threshold is synonymous with the middle stage and is defined as any place or point of entering. We cross threshold every day. Probably the most common example is marked by the strip of wood or metal at the bottom of any doorway and is crossed upon entering. There are physical and non-physical thresholds we cross and set every day. In any event, the threshold is what is crossed when leaving the old location and entering the new area.
When we are on the cusp of something new, we are on the threshold. It may be difficult to navigate this space because we have stepped out of the old but have yet to become that which we are becoming. This in-between stage and potential loss of identity are marked by a sensation of un-groundedness, liminal space and time, and new potentials.
Self-identity may be challenged and can without proper trust and faith people tend to retreat, resist and return to old patterns of behavior. Change comes with a price. In order to enter into the potential unknown blessings, we must shed the old skin completely. Jesus illustrates this in John 12:24 when he says, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
If we hold on to our lives, we resist the very life-force God is pouring into us. The loss of identity, falling to the ground to die to ourselves is a must; it is integral to threshold as stated in the very next verse, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). In other words, a seed yields no increase unless it is cast into the ground.
Resistance arises when fear, doubt, and loss of identity in Christ steers us away from God’s truth. Losing a familiar sense of who one is scary but also holds the potential for the freedom and growth needed in the first place. Trust is the key ingredient. Cultivating trust in God is what provides a safe enough space for us to cut the final tether of the old self.
Feeling stuck is a natural and necessary aspect of the process of change
The Holy Spirit shows up to convict us, provide discernment and motivate us towards His Will for us. He shows up to highlight areas of resistance that hold us back from new growth. Ideally, feeling stuck becomes part of the purpose of transition and thus is embraced and even praised for God is doing a work in you.
As a Crosswinds Family Coach, I work with families that all too often are experiencing the change of threshold without trust or any framework to guide. As a coach, one of my goals is to help the family build the scaffolding of trust so that they may proceed through the threshold without retreating to the old ways. Family Coaches provide meaning to families and individuals stuck in transition. Coaching offers the opportunity to experience a safe place and space to rebuild trust, let go of old identities and allow the dynamic force of God to lead.
A renewed commitment to God through surrendering one’s pride and trusting the process change, regardless of how it turns out, is a cornerstone of walking with Christ. Prayer and meditation generate channels to clearer seeing, allowing us to examine our own automatic thought patterns and behavioral tendencies that may need adjusting, re-aligned and even forgiven.
Brought into the light of awareness, prayer is highly advantageous in exposing what we already know. Letting God’s truth support and remind us of who we are exposing the darkest corners of what’s preventing transformation. When the disorientation of threshold is grounded with intention and trust, give ourselves permission to die to self; sit within the openness of not knowing, embrace the silence of stillness, and swim in the freedom of God’s Glory.
Trials and tribulations lead to spiritual maturity
All adversity comes with lessons and blessings. In fact, it is the perseverance that waters and activates dormant seeds of blessings on the road of adversity. Intentionally occupying space between what I once was and who I might become invokes a child-like sense of wonder and curiosity. In threshold, I discover a deeper understanding of life’s rhythms and scales of growth. Tolerance for diversity and complexity become revalued and scales of the eyes fall. My senses awaken, and a new basis for a practical understanding of the nature of God and His love brings me to my knees once again.
The wisdom of God is in the present moment. Seek Him there.
Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with your family and God? Contact us today and learn how Crosswinds can bring your family closer together and build a stronger relationship with God.