The Winds of Change

I can't believe it's January 27th, 2012!  Where has the time gone? 

I agree with Gretchin Rubin's statement,  "The days are long, but the years are short." 

It becomes truer as the years go by. 

This year will mean significant change for me. 

Last summer I was on a phone call with a former classmate in Pennsylvania.  I was telling her that I felt I needed to change things in my life, maybe beginning with a really big change, like a move to another place. 

I was content to continue living here in this comfortable condo in Palm Springs, happy with my neighbors and friends that live closeby.  It's wonderful to have sunshine nearly every day and maybe an occasional rainstorm or windstorm that brings refreshment or excitement.  I can swim every day of the year to keep physically active, even on the days of our winter where the temperature might drop to the sixties, we have a heated salt-water pool. 

But my life has become boring and routine.  Truth is, I'm not old enough to be finished with the creative aspect of my life.  This resort town somehow has never felt like home.

Retirement can mean becoming very staid in your outlook, manner, and vision.  When things are too easy, with no challenges to take up, a person fails to grow inwardly.  I thought that if I had to begin anew at age 65 in a different town, it would lead to growth, hopefully positive growth.  I would be forced to find my way around in a new place.  I would need to discover new places to shop, a new hairdresser, a new car repair place, and also a new church.  All these changes might be challenging, even uncomfortable, but they would make it possible to meet and make new friends, maybe even find a job where I can make a contribution.  

Thinking about making such a big change is one thing.  The action required is another!  Actually initiating change requires great courage, especially when you're a little older and you're alone and not nearly as healthy as you once were.

Lo and behold, change happens when we least expect it!  Not long after speaking with my classmate about my wanting to make a change, I received a phone call from the rental agent who manages the condo where I've been living for seven years.  He said the owners of the condo were putting the place up for sale! 

I panicked!  I wasn't ready to give up my beloved home, and I was shaken.  Yet, the first couple who came to see the place made an offer on the spot.  Now this place has been sold to them, and they are honoring my rental lease until June 30, 2012!  So, you see, I must make a change! 

Be careful what you pray for!

I think the Lord knew I wouldn't make the change without a little push.  And all the ruminating I had done previously helped prepare my mind for the possibility of change.

Please God, help me to see this change through gracefully, knowing that you will be with me every step of the way.   Direct me, through your Holy Spirit, to follow your prodding and not to falter.  Give me your perfect peace that passes understanding.  Amen.