A Long Summer

It has been so long since I've posted here. Since March, my thoughts were so askew, they might have been like scattering leaves caught up in a windstorm. I'd been traveling a lot in my job, balancing work changes and trainings with my ever-increasing need to feel settled at home. Doug and the hot tub, the doggies and the couch - those were my sanctuaries I clung to on long flights and nights in hotels.

And then in April Doug and I made the final decision for me to retire. On a roadtrip to Vegas in May, we settled on the timing - giving notice after July 4th and retiring on Labor Day. And from there, my mind was an ongoing battle between the sense and the senseless.

• Leaving a great job when so many are struggling??
• Remaining there any longer when I was so totally exhausted??
• Could we live in our new financial situation??
• Would I, in essence, just trade one stessful situation for another??

Doug and I remained ever-prayerful, and once the table was set, the path seemed clear. September 9th I walked out at 5:00 p.m. and have not had one moment of anxiety over the decision. For something to have seemed to identify me for 30 years, it was almost surreal that not even once did I feel a sense of loss or regret. That must mean it was the right decision.

So here I am, a month and a half later...more settled and content-definitely. The doggies and I have gone from morphing into the sofa to taking daily (2-mile) walks. More often than not, they walk me. I've dipped my toes into the volunteer arena, working a little with Habitat for Humanity, preparing to help a little at a nursing center, and tomorrow I start a new adventure with helping my friend do some accounting at housing authorities. Doug and I have enjoyed the more positive conversations from the hot tub - planning for our trip to Hawaii, speculating over necessities and pleasures, generally enjoying each day as it comes. Good times, to be sure.

Praise be to the Lord for all He provides, for His steadfast love, His patience, His guidance.