Transitions

A Wistful Day…

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB

“When you are transitioning to a new season of life, the people and situations that no longer fit you will fall away.” Mandy Hale

The closet no longer has my “career” clothes. I don’t know why I couldn’t let go of them. Maybe, I do.

I was on fire with anger and too much whiskey when I donated my husband’s clothes to Goodwill. Why are there cruel diseases like Lewy body dementia that control, rape, and pillage with no memory of comforters? Righteous anger, I hope.

I was tender with my mother’s clothes and jewelry, almost worshipful after she died. And my grandmother’s belongings are safe for my beautiful granddaughters and daughter-in-law. Not expensive, but treasures just the same.

But as I folded a beautiful leather jacket to donate, the answers came: A whisper asked me, “Did you enjoy them?” Yes. It was enjoyable to dress up, put proposals together, answer phone calls and problem-solve. It looked like chaos but it was business all the way.

The whisper came again, “Did you enjoy them?” Yes. Oops-I get it. The people I worked with were lessons in maturity, laughter was often and responsibilities were shared–Not 50/50–Sometimes 90/10, 40/60, or other combinations. Everyone I give thanks for. Thank you.

“Did you enjoy your career?” the soft voice asked. “Yes,” I replied enthusiastically.

“Then shut the door and embrace this last stage. You’re 70 years old now and in pretty good health. Opportunities to mentor, pray for, lift others, garden, walk in nature, and pursue new hobbies are all yours. You’ll make mistakes because it’s new for you. We’re all beginners at something.”

I will start tomorrow. But today I’m wistful because that stage is over and I miss my colleagues–living and living up there beyond time. I think it’s okay because I enjoyed them. And maybe there’s a young firebrand in my leather jacket building a successful career with caring colleagues, challenging clients, and people who know her worth and love her.

Musings

Some never transition because of disabilities, early death or immaturity. We can because we “have passed from death to life” because of Jesus. We can embrace these stages with hope.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We know you transform us but we also transition many times in our lives. We thank you for renewing our “inner man/woman” every day with hope. Help us to listen with anticipation to the whisper, the still small voice, that renews us.

Amen.