A.D.A.P.T.

It is crunch time. 8 weeks left in the sandhills of NE doing research, writing, and preparing for my cumulative final exam. 16 weeks until I defend for my Masters Degree. Trying not to panic. One day at a time. That is all I can do.

In light of the closing of this chapter and the beginning of another I have been reminded that change is around the corner. I am not the biggest fan of it, but I have learned to deal with it as life happens. I have been told by friends and family over the years that I handle these changes and moving across the country well. I don't believe them, but its what they say. lol. I suppose from my perspective, I know what I need to do to succeed and thrive in a new environment. I know God has brought me to this new place for His purposes and He will help along the way to provide the new friends, church, and support that I need to thrive.

So, in thinking about transitions and adapting to new environments, I had an epiphany. Here is my new acronym: A.D.A.P.T.
A-assess
D-decipher
A-apply
P-persevere
t-trust

Now I shall explain.

A-Assess: When faced with a new challenge, situation, or change in life, start with Assessing the situation. Evaluate what is going on. What changes are happening? What is within my control and out of it? What is the same? What is different?

D-Decipher: We all make choices-poor and wise, good and bad. And we deal with the consequences of those choices daily. So, as my mom always tells me, make a list. A list of pros and cons to your options. It helps process, put things on paper and not trying to sort through everything in your brain. Seek Godly advise from those older and wiser than yourself. Its kind of like running the options through a cheese cloth to weed out the curd so that only the "milk" is left.

A-Apply: So, once you've made a decision, DO IT! You'll make those choices and apply them along with knowledge from past experiences to your life. Stick to your guns! Which leads us to P..

P-Persevere: This is the hard part. Any change/adjustment to something new takes time. Also, dedication, long suffering, and gumption. It is going to hard. These next 4-6 months are going to be some the toughest to date. I don't even know how everything will pan out. I'm not meant to at this point and that is OK. Take things one day at a time. Even one task at a time, if you must. God provides joy in each day, no matter how hard or long it may seem to be. You just have to look for it.

T-Trust: Trusting is one of the most key and hardest parts to this process. It takes faith, vulnerability, diligence, and being intentional with your life. Everything is in God's hands-THE BIG PICTURE PLAN, timing, events, and agenda. He knows my hearts desires and dreams. Yet, I am willing to follow and go where He will open doors to be used by Him in those people's lives that I come in contact with every day. He never said life would be easy, but it would be good and turn out for HIS good in the end.

Life is a journey and a process of learning, growing, making choices, and adapting to new situations, scenery, and societies. Learn to be flexible and adapt as things happen. It will make life a whole lot easier in the short and long run-trust me. I don't always get it right, but I am learning daily how to do this on deeper levels in all areas of my life. I pray that this is encouraging and challenges you in your own life. May it also be a tool to help you out as you continue down this journey called life.