I never thought it would happen, but here it is—my opportunity to retire. This past year was not kind to me. I changed jobs to make more money, but instead, I fell on school property and was sidelined for the rest of the year.
Initially, when I was off work, I was bored, agitated, and quite frankly, not a happy camper. I am not one to sit around; however, I was sidelined due to a knee injury and had no choice. But then, I got to thinking...perhaps this was God's plan for me. Leaving me alone for some reason. I kept seeing posts on Facebook and Instagram. Let go...don't look back...I've got something better for you. And so I did. I let go of everything. I didn't look back. And I waited, ever so patiently.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you." declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I clung to this Bible verse as finances became thing. But by the same token, I began to relax into this easier lifestyle. No getting up and rushing around. No rush hour traffic. No meetings. I started to embrace this new lifestyle, as I awaited knee surgery.
And an interesting thing happened. Kismet? Fate? Luck? As I was selling items to help subsidize my lost income, I ran into a woman who told me about a new retirement community. The rent was VERY affordable, and it was brand new. I went out to speak to the manager of this apartment community. As it happened, this community was owned by the same management company of the apartments where I live now, which means, I just pay a transfer fee to move. I have 16 steps in my unit, and frankly, with the upcoming knee surgery, I need a one-floor unit. Furthermore, in April or May, they were opening a new building near where I currently live; an area I love. It was a win-win.
However, I wasn't quite sure I was ready to take the steps necessary to move, retire, get on Medicare, and the seemingly endless list of chores necessary to do it. The status quo is often so much easier. In fact, I lost my job due to my having to take a leave of absence, but technically, I am still an employee at my school district. And I make good money. So, the question becomes, do I want to close the door to what I have known for what seems like forever, and begin a new life? Go for the unknown, rather than the comfortable?
The truth is, I do. I have spent the last few days gathering paperwork, talking with insurance agents, and getting my life to a place where I can do this. I have to be honest. The thought of not rushing in the morning sounds amazing. Using my day to exercise (after my knee is fixed) and writing -- even better. It is scary, especially with this tight economy, but I know God has not let me down yet, even in the most unnerving of circumstances, which is going without any income for three months. And just for the record, I am not well-to-do, by any stretch. But I was able to use my God-given strength to make it through this "dry spell."
John 15:2 says, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes that it may bear more fruit."
I am in that season of being pruned -- of this, I am positive. It has not been easy, but God has been preparing me for something...I'm not sure what, but I'm certain if there is a need, it will be made known. Maybe he's just allowing me a season of rest after working so hard for the past 11 years.
And so, as I have said many times, change is good; at least, IMHO. It allows you to get out of your comfort zone and do something that fills you instead of drains you. It can give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. And frankly, while I may not be monetarily rich in retirement, I will be filled with a wealth that cannot be measured. And I am here for it...all of it.
