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Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ.
(Phillipians Chapter 1 Selected Verses)
The picture you see above was taken exactly one year ago. So much has changed in my life since then. At this time last year, I was starting my final school year of teaching. I was attending staff meetings, preparing my classroom and doing lesson plans. I was filled with a sort of strange anxiety about ending a long career even as I was excited about the prospect of retirement. One year later, I have now been retired since January. And another school year is about to begin. But, this time, I am not doing all of the preparations that have been a part of my life for the last 35 years. And it is a bit of a strange feeling, I have to admit. As I hear my husband describe meetings and lesson planning he is currently doing, I am no longer a part of it. In fact, as the school year begins, I am traveling and visiting with family, something I have never been able to do at this time of year. "Work" as I used to know it, has changed. Certainly, I am still working in many ways. At my home, at my church, doing my blogging, helping friends and family....this has now become my "work." It is different, my schedule and routine are much more flexible than before and I don't have a school schedule that I must follow. But, just as today's scripture reminds me, there is still good work for me to do as long as I'm alive. And I want to do this work and live my life in such a way that I am a credit to the message of Christ. I am still working on defining "work" as a retired person. And that can be challenging at times, because we live in a world that centers on the idea of "accomplishments." My school work life was very defined with semesters and the big beginning of school rush and the final tests of the school year which brought the year to a close. Life is not as defined now. But, I'm still "working" and while I have wonderful memories of a career in teaching, I believe that my true "life's work" is serving the Lord. And from that work there is no retirement...but, oh so many benefits. I pray for blessings for you in your life's work of servanthood as well.
Blessings,
Debbie
8 comments:
This post was timely for me since as another retired educator, it still seems strange to not begin the school year. Even though I have been retired a year more than you, Debbie, I still struggle a little with my new "life's work." Your post helps put that in perspective.
Thanks, Sharon. I continue to define my "work" now. It is a process, for sure.
Interesting to compare "life's work" to a "career". Both can evolve but may have a central theme.
I like thinking that my true life's work is serving the Lord. If it was my previous career or the one I'm currently in, what a huge disappointment that would be. I feel my best work is yet to come. I often feel my real life's work is being a mom, a grandmother and mentor to my family. God blessed me with these loved ones, and i know He put them in my life for a reason. I can't wait to retire. It will allow a lot more time for things that really matter to me in this life.
What a great reflection. I believe you serving the Lord at this moment in your life is exactly where you are suppose to be! Seasons of life come and go but his Grace remains and we need to remind others of that. xo
Great point, Susan. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
That's a great attitude, Karen, to believe that your best work is yet to come! I love that thought! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks so much, Andrea! You are so right about God's Grace!
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