Everyone has stuff, some of us have too much. I'm finding that in my own life. I just have too much stuff. My kids keep telling me to start getting rid of it now so they won't have to. I agree, but when it comes down to it how do I decide what to part with and what to keep? It's a struggle.
Some of you may be good at parting with things, I know my daughter, Amber is good at helping me part with my stuff, but when it comes to her books, not so much. She has a full library! I love my things though, not like, I couldn't live without them love, but a comfort kind of love. They make me smile. I have a collection of angels, and I can pretty much decorate a whole Christmas tree with nothing but angels, not to mention all the ones I have sitting around. I know I need to part with some of them, but which ones? How do I choose? I can remember each one, who gave it to me, or where I got it and believe me that's saying something, when I can barely remember my own name. I also love pottery! I just love the look and feel of a little bowl, made from some ones hands. When I go to a arts and craft fair, that is what I am drawn to.
So back to down sizing, how do I choose? What do I keep and what do I choose to give up?
I remember when I was 10 and going to the Children's Home in Lakeland, I might have had the clothes I had on and maybe another set, but that was pretty much all I had. I didn't have anything that I could say was truly mine. That first Christmas at the Children's Home they gave me a doll. I named him Willie, don't ask me why, I just did. I was 11. That seems pretty old to be getting a doll, but back then we still played with dolls at 11 (at least I did). Anyway, Willie was a doll that had been pieced together. His head is a different color from his body. I didn't care though, I loved Willie. The other night I got to thinking about where Willie was and I couldn't find him. All of the sudden I went into panic mode and searched the house through. No Willie. I called Amber and asked her if she had Willie, she looked and said she didn't, but she didn't tease me or laugh, because Amber knows how important Willie is to me. You see, when you are alone, or feel alone, and don't have anything of your own and finally get something that is just yours, there is that feeling of comfort. I can't really describe it to someone that's never been in that situation, but it's that feeling of having something that is yours, and doesn't have to be shared, and doesn't have to be left behind, or sold. It's something to hold on to when your world is crumbling around you.
I am blessed to work at BigHouse Foundation two days a week in my retirement. It is a gift from God for me to be there, because you see... I was one of those kids. I was one who didn't have anything of my own, who gets taken to a place with strangers with nothing but what you have on. I am blessed to give back in a small way. I get to meet these wonderful foster parents who take in children and treat them as their own and be a part of helping them find clothes, toys, & resources that help these parents take care of the kids entrusted to them.
I believe God gave this gift to me. Don't get me wrong, I don't counsel the parents, or kids, I clean refrigerators, closets, sort clothes, vacuum, but I have never felt more complete in my life. I feel like God has led me through everything to this point. How wonderful to know that when I was 10 years old, scared and feeling alone, God knew that there would be such a time as this!
By the way, after searching everywhere and going through every tub in the utility room, I finally found Willie. So in my decluttering, Willie will not be a casualty. All is right with the world!
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| Willie |
February 11, 2016
Well, I did it! I retired and I've got to say there are some really great things about being retired as well as some...shall we say, challenging things. I retired in September and although I didn't really plan on retiring this soon, God laid it upon my heart that this was the time, so here I am....60 years old, and retired. When I first decided to retire, a friend who is already retired suggested to me that I not make any solid commitments for the first 6 months and it was some of the best advice I received.
I worried that I wouldn't have enough to do, but that hasn't proven to be the case. The first few months, Toby and I stripped the deck, washed it down, and painted it. Then we totally emptied our utility room, built shelves, and went through everything and put it back. After that there was a repair that needed to be made to the wall in the house, which required painting the whole inside when the repair was done. Then we put a ceramic backsplash over the kitchen sink. We cleaned out closets and by that time Toby was practically begging me to go back to work (outside of the home)!!! He was worn out. I promised him we would stop till after Christmas. Now it's February and we are back at it. I know he keeps hoping I'll take another job some where...
There are some down sides to being retired...
*You aren't really on a routine, you don't have to get up and take a shower if you don't
want to. (I can honestly say, I try not to go without but...somedays.....well, call me
before to make sure)
*You don't see very many people and as a women, you know we have all these words we
need to get out in a day so I find myself talking to the dog, cat, stove and if you happen
to cross my path, I will probably keep you for longer than you want me to. (If I see you
hide from me in the grocery store, or cross the street when you see me coming, I
promise not to take offense.)
*Your budget is tighter. You find yourself making choices between "needs" and "wants",
and even the "needs" are scrutinized. Not really a bad thing.
With all of that there are some really incredible things about being retired.
Things I truly love.
*I get to sleep late and don't have to take a shower and get dressed if I don't want to.
*I can visit with people where they are, for how ever long I want without having to rush.
*I don't have to go to the grocery store on Friday night or Saturday
*I have time to find creative ways to do things and I love that.
*I was able to spend a lot of time with my family, even spent 3 weeks with Amber in CA
and had so much fun. Looking forward to having the opportunity to spend more time
with family and friends that live elsewhere.
But the very best thing about retirement - I get the opportunity to spend time in the Word. Oh my, what a joy that is! I study His Word, talk to Him, listen to Him, pray for others, journal. It is such a treat for me. Instead of a routine, I find I am taking time to seek Him and His face. To seek His wisdom and comfort. To walk with Him constantly through the nuances of my new stage in life.
At first upon retiring, I thought "What have I done? What am I going to do? How am I going to live?" I have worked since I was 15 and was unsure of what to do, but God impressed upon me to REST, RELAX and REFRESH. So I rest in Him, relax in the assurance that He is on the throne, and refresh myself with His word. After all, He hasn't failed me yet, and He certainly hasn't finished with me yet.
One of my very favorite scriptures is Deuteronomy 33:12 "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders." I love that! The picture of just being so weary and laying our head between the shoulders of God! Oh what a picture!!!
Excuse me now while I go rest!!!
