Over the past couple months I have been thinking about transitions and my experience(s) of them, especially since this is the topic of the next Leadership Seminar for interns. I’ve notice whenever the topic of transitions comes up that a level of discomfort arises in me. In my life, transition/change has almost always felt negative and painful. Recently, I was put in a situation where I was forced to transition and though painful and scary, I longed for goodness. I prayed that God would give me and those with me in the transition something good or even better than we had (believing in some slight way that it was possible, though I remained skeptical). But God answered that prayer, and showed me the beauty in the simple, and I am in awe. The above is my most recent painting. In the midst of all the negative in the past for me around transition, I want to remember goodness, that there are many blessings that come along with my most challenging moments, and so I painted, to remind me of the beauty of nature and the goodness of others and God in my life. This reminder has helped me remain hopeful as I continue to navigate through new things in my life and at Emmanuel.

Kristin Spencer

Leadership Development Intern