By Chris Bates
We set out early on a beautiful clear fall morning to explore Gunnison National Park in western Colorado, excited about fly fish on the Taylor River. Our group of five decided to split up, each choosing different sections of the river. I opted for a lower stretch with sharp bends and steeper embankments. It promised more challenges but also the potential for bigger trout.
I spent the morning casting in the straighter, shallower areas, catching several trout near small boulders and drop-offs. As the sun climbed higher, the fish began retreating to deeper pockets along the river’s turns. Moving upriver, I entered a small canyon with massive boulders and a sharp bend — ideal spots for bigger fish. However, transitioning through the fast current to reach those spots was a challenge. I knew that my casts would need to be precise, all while maintaining balance in the quick water flow.
After multiple attempts, my fly was taken by the biggest rainbow trout of the day. It was a moment every fly fisherman dreams of. After the catch, though, the return crossing proved even tougher, having to go partially into the currents. I had two falls in the river, leaving me soaked, bruised, and short a few pieces of gear lost to the swift water. Like many things in life, the journey transitioning to and from my goal was the hardest part.
Life transitions often follow deliberate choices — a new job, getting married, becoming a parent, striving for better health, or moving to a new house. Even positive changes can be stressful, making us miss the comfort of routine. Other shifts, like a career setback or the end of a relationship, can catch us off guard. We crave the predictability of knowing what comes next, and unexpected events can strip away that security, amplifying our fears and challenging our resilience.
The truth is that all types of change can be difficult. Feeling powerless is a natural reaction and creates fear, but it’s our responses to transitions that matter most. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” While we may not control our immediate thoughts or emotions, we can absolutely choose our actions. Then to take the right actions, we need the right tools.
Preparing for life’s challenges often means looking backward to equip ourselves for what lies ahead. The Bible offers guidance and is filled with tools and strategies for navigating life’s trials. A personal favorite passage, Ephesians 6:10-20, describes the armor of God piece by piece, reminding us to find strength in the Lord. Once armed, we can grow in faith, deepen our connection with God, and share faith with others through discipleship — which is both learning and teaching.
Each of us has journeys that are marked by transformations, some joyful and others painful. By preparing ourselves spiritually and practically, we can better face both the expected and unexpected. Psalm 91 assures us that God provides protection and everything we need, guiding us through every challenge and ultimately offering salvation at the journey’s end.
As we move forward, let’s embrace life’s transitions with faith, preparation, and courage, trusting that God walks with us through every crossing.
Chris Bates is CEO of AgoraEversole, a full-service marketing agency in Jackson, and can be reached at Chris@AgoraEversole.com. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Madison and have adult children and three grandboys.