Retirement!

I am retired!

After 42 years in my profession, I have turned in my computer and ID badge.  This gives me a moment for pause; our worldly culture constantly reminds us that we are what we ‘do’, now what?  My work life, that heavily defined what I was in my full-time working years, is gone.  That was only one part of my life.  God’s not done with me yet!

For many years I have had Colossians 3:23-24 NIV posted over my desk.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  I asked God to give me the grace and direction to show His Love to those I worked with daily.  Some days I succeeded and some not, but I learned my faith is a daily commitment to God.  I need Him and can never be who He intended me to be without His power, mercy, grace, and love.  I am not done serving God.  I see retirement as an opportunity, an invitation, to become ever more what God intended me to be.  I want to discover what God is calling me to next, accept His plans for me, and give God my total Amen.

How will I discern my calling for this stage of my life?  If I look to His Word for guidance; I know I am a child of God (John 1:12), He has a plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11), I need to pray for His guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6), I need quiet time to listen for His voice (Psalm 46:10), I should serve others (1 Peter 4:10), surround myself with sisters and brothers in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11), study His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and Pray some more (James 1:5).

Hebrews 12:1 tells us like those before us we should throw off everything that hinders and entangles us and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  My high school track coach  always told us to “finish the race, run full speed through the finish line.”  Retirement is not the end of my race.  I look forward to time with Dennis, our boys, extended family, friends, and I know God calls me to walk beside them in their faith journey.  I look forward to traveling and seeing new places I have never been.  I look forward to fishing, hiking, kayaking, and seeing all of God’s beauty in nature without time constraints of a job.  But I also know God always calls me to more, I hear His whisper in my heart.  My race will not be done until God calls me Home and I plan on running full speed through the finish line.

Lord, I surrender my life and everything in it to you. I know that without you, I can do nothing.  I am so thankful for this life that you have given me.  You have blessed me with unique talents and gifts.  Help me to understand how to nurture and use these gifts and talents to bring glory to You.  Help me to hear and understand Your call and seek You always.  Amen.

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