This past Friday I took an important step. A step that I did not take lightly. My company had for the first time in its history, offered early retirement to about 20 people at my company. Or is it that 20 people accepted it. Anyway, I qualified for the early retirement with being 62 and having nearly 26 years of service. There have been different stages of accepting and withdrawing, and waivers to sign over the past two-three weeks. Friday was the final one for me, I think. I read through all the paperwork again. I prayed. I clicked on the 'I accept' button. Then I 'signed' the waiver stating I wouldn't do all kinds of things against the company or hold it liable for anything - then I hit the button that read 'submit'. Then I sat there and stared at it, thinking, and praying, that I did the right thing.
Do I think I did the right thing? Absolutely. It is time. My journey of a 42 mile daily round trip, ten hour days, is about to come to an end, effective October 28. I had offered to stay until April, 2012, knowing meetings that were coming up starting in November, and wanting them to go well. But, it apparently doesn't matter to management, for they denied that request and made my last day October 28, 2011. Now that I have my last date of employment, I can begin to make my own plans.
What kind of plans? I have no idea. Probably do some cleaning and clearing out of things here at the house. I am a bit of a pack rat so I am anxious to clear out a lot of clutter. I also want to start going to the gym on a regular basis and get my body toned and thinner. That may take some time, I'm afraid. On both of these.
I am really looking forward to having more quality time in the mornings with the Lord. You may think I'm weird, but I love snuggling up to my Abba in the wee hours of the morning and reading His Word, talking with Him. I love it most when I don't have to keep one eye on the clock, but can stay until I am 'finished'. I'm looking forward to taking long walks in the mornings. Maybe meeting friends for breakfast on occasion. I am going to enjoy this time of not having to work.
But I know I also have to find another job, probably by the first of the year, as I will not have any medical benefits as of January 1. My ideal job would be in a paid position on a church staff, but things being what they are, that probably won't happen right now. I enjoy being with people and I love to have fun. I am also a hard worker and do my work well. I can't remember the last time I called in sick - probably a total of ten times the past 26 years! I have had several recommendations of places to go to apply. All sound like fun, but for now, I am going to continue to pray and ask God to begin even now preparing the place He wants me to go.
Reminds me of George Mueller, in a way. Read his autobiography sometime. He was an amazing man of faith. He would thank God for something specific - without sharing the need with anyone - and it would happen. Oh that my faith would be as great! Faith has nearly always been my #1 spiritual gift. My father-in-law once said 'If God said it, I believe it, that settles it.' And I have taken that to heart. It doesn't matter what anyone else says. If my God says it, I will believe it. End of discussion. Yes, God has spoken to me in the past, in the present, and I believe He will in the future. No, I don't have the market on God talking to me. But He has my ear, and I have His hand.
What about you? Are you getting ready to begin a new journey in your life? Are you looking at making some changes you are possibly uncertain about? What are you doing about it - are you thinking it through and praying that God will direct your path, that He will make your path straight? Are you waiting on Him for the answers you need? I hope you are. There is nothing worse than going through life making your own decisions and pretending God has answered your prayers when you are only doing what you want to do.
Wait upon the Lord; you will never regret it.
Blessings!
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