It’s official. On Friday, August 17, 2018, when I exit the doors of my office, I will officially be RETIRED!
What? How did that happen? I’m only in my twenties, right?
I’ll tell you, there’s a host of mixed emotions going on inside me. Seventeen years I have been at this job. My co-workers are like family to me. They have all loved me well over the years – through deaths of loved ones, births of grandchildren, and all the normal ups and downs of life (Hello, menopause! God bless my co-workers who had to deal with THOSE ups and downs of mine!).
I’m not going to lie, though. I’m tired. I’ve sensed for a while that it was time to move into a new season. I’ve prayed over this decision. And I have felt the Lord release me, giving me a little shove in the small of my back, helping me to move on. Helping me take this next step of faith.
When I think about it, retirement is something I’ve worked hard for since I was sixteen years old. It’s my inheritance, if you will.
Now it’s time to cross the Jordan, into this new land that the Lord has given me. It’s time to slow down a bit, and rest in His promises.
Just like the Israelites about to cross the Jordan, retirement and not working outside the home is a path I haven’t traveled before (Josh 3:4). I’m excited, and I’m scared. I’ve never NOT worked, and helped bring income into our home.
When the people of Israel were instructed to cross the Jordan River, it was flooded and overflowing the banks. When the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant reached the edge of the river, they were to stand in the water (Joshua 3:14-17). Just go on, jump into the overflowing, flooding river! Hmmm, I don’t think so!
A few years back, we had flooding in our area. One of the bayous I had to cross each day had overflowed its banks. Now, normally, it is a slow moving, meandering bayou. Not when it’s flooded! There were snakes and alligators and all sorts of creepy crawly things. The normally sleepy bayou was rushing with flood waters. NO WAY would I ever put my toes in that water!
Because, you see, I couldn’t see. I didn’t know how deep the water was, or how fast it was moving beneath the surface, or what dangers lurked there.
But the minute you cross the Jordan River and settle into the land GOD, your God, is enabling you to inherit, he’ll give you rest from all your surrounding enemies. You’ll be able to settle down and live in safety. Deuteronomy 12:10 MGS
God had told the people that the minute they crossed the river and settled down, He would give them rest. The minute the priests put their feet in the water, in faith, those flood waters dried up. The priests stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, and all Israel was able to cross on dry ground.
All it took was faith to dip their toes in the water.
How about you? Is there flood water that the Lord is asking you to cross? It’s scary isn’t it?! But this is His promise: you will have firm, dry ground; you will have rest; you have inherited this.
Now, go take it!
Oh Ellen! This spoke to my heart just as God wanted. I am nearing retirement myself and all of those thoughts have flooded my soul! Thank you for being brave and courageous and sharing your heart.
Oh, Linda, I am so glad this ministered to you! I long for and look forward to retirement, but there are just so many unknowns, amen? Have faith, Linda, take the land that God has given you!
Powerful message here!
Thank you, my friend!
Great message, Ellen! One that is super encouraging at this very stage in my life.
Thank you sweet Sabra!
First of all Ellen, Congratulations! What a great accomplishment and milestone!
Second, I’m thinking…
You are going to adjust to being home, not working an outside job and will adapt to a new era of busy before you have time to rewind your retirement watch! (Wink)
Third, don’t fear it. Embrace it! (With a big “I’m so glad I get to do this” hug!)
I have been a homemaker and worked from home most of my 33 years of marriage and I have loved every moment of freedom that has allowed me to make my homemaking less stressful, set my own goals and schedule and be available to do things with my hubby, family and friends.
My suggestion is to get a fresh candle, set up your home desk, (if you don’t have one) and get a new planner. Pour you a cup of your favorite hot tea and sit down for a few quiet moments to start planning your next season. You’ll be surprised how soon you’ll fill your planner! It’s fun!
If you get lonely, schedule a day out with a friend or family member once a week or two to stay connected. Or, email me. (Wink again!)
Enjoy your new season and summer!
Smiles, BRC
Thanks Beth!
GURL, you have read my mind! I am giddy with excitement about this next season – more excitement than fear, but it will be a huge adjustment! I look forward to “taking control” of my home, and having time to spend with friends, all of whom have retired! And yes, more time to e-mail you!!!
I have been working part time since March, which basically has given me one day a week off. That day quickly became full to the brim, and also my FAVORITE day!
Oh, Beth, I can honestly say I’m prayed up for this – I’m spiritually ready, physically, emotionally and financially ready! Praise God, I believe He’s been preparing me! For exactly what, other than being home, I’m not sure. But I look forward to it!!!