We got out of dodge a week after we both officially retired. We wondered what full days unfocused and unfettered by an employer's goals might bring. We wandered slowly into any expectations for the days ahead. The first seven weeks after retiring were an interim commitment to relax, refocus, refrain, and reframe.
The unwritten rule for this time was to purpose no definitive commitment to a plan except to learn to live presently in the day God provided. We paid attention to what made us feel alive and made plans that were loosely held.
What shape did no plan take? This doubt as to our future created questions. Yet, these questions caused us to seek and explore and listen and look. We're in that part of life where God is building perseverance, but we also know that during this season of uncertainty, our future is not uncertain. He reveals His plan and purpose in our daily lives.
Our weeks were filled with wind, walks, books, beaches, places, and people.
Our weeks were filled with wind, walks, books, beaches, places, and people.
 |
| Enjoying Valentine's Day lunch with Mike and Pat at Dauphin's Restaurant in Mobile, AL |
While the herons, waves, and sunsets were lovely to discover. God placed a number of lovely people as gifts in our lives during these seven weeks, people that we may never meet again but who manifested proof of His everyday guidance and interaction.
One such couple's life together demonstrated that God provides sanctuaries for our lives. He gives us our spouses and family as havens in the storms. Mike and Pat shared the stories of their lives hardships and triumphs humbly and honestly. In their hardest moments, they chose to trust God, acknowledging that it isn't always easy. In sharing their proudest moments, they celebrated His blessings with their presence and pictures.
I'm convinced that God gives us sweet people (if even for a little while) to discover throughout our entire lives to remind us to live a life worthy of His calling: a life of joy and perseverance.
God pleasantly provided living examples of His Word at the outset of the "reframing" of our future. While in pursuit of enjoying the moments, we were able to see the gift of our new friends' time, words, and presence.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-7.
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-7.
Comments