The Passionate Retiree

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve posted an entry on this blog! The last several months have been hectic, fulfilling, exhilarating, hopeful, exciting, stressful (not too much so, just an acceptable level of stress), revealing, and enlightening. I praise and thank God for all of the gifts that He’s showered upon me in the past year!

Where to begin? Unlike I did in my previous posts, I’m not inclined to recount in painstaking detail the minutia of my spiritual journey thus far. So perhaps I’ll simply state where I am right now: content with my life, pleased with the steps I’ve taken to live in God’s will, and looking forward to the new adventures God has in store for me. I am no longer desperate to find the ‘something more’ that God has prescribed for me; I believe that there are endless opportunities to do something more and then something greater still and perhaps something that I never even conceived of doing, all if I keep my mind and heart open to the Holy Spirit.

A huge goal of mine in 2009 was to discover my passion. Well, I have found not one passion, but many: writing professional resumes, designing and teaching fitness classes, joining in Christian fellowship with others to discuss the presence of God in our lives, and entering into a deep and profound relationship with the Lord by meditating on His word. Yes, I was heading down many of these paths as early as 2008, but now I view these activities not as justifications for my retirement decision, but as occasions to follow where the Lord has sent me, and make the most of the experiences! I’m also striving to use each of these pursuits as a way to focus on others instead of myself, to develop the Christ-like traits I’m meant to cultivate, and to continue to learn, grow, and challenge myself.

Is it a disappointment to me that I have not pinpointed one or more characteristics that I can definitively label as a charism? Not at all! I know that in many ways I am an effective teacher, writer, dancer, benefactor, organizer, confidant, leader, administrator, servant, helper, and prayer-giver. I also know that I have more than enough areas to improve upon to last me a couple of lifetimes! But I believe I can strengthen the gifts God has given me, and develop new talents by simply living every day in a way that I believe is pleasing to God. That is certainly enough of a challenge for me!

One change I am making is my decision to no longer post my reflections on the scriptures or on life in general on this blog. I believe that journaling is an excellent outlet for me to organize my thoughts, but I no longer feel the need to share them in this venue. I continue to pray for all who are searching for something more in the joyful hope that Christ will open their eyes and hearts to all of the prospects He has laid out before them. May the peace of Christ be with you all!