Living these days

courtesy Suha Kim

I got to thinking the other day that by general definitions, I am retired. I closed a chapter on a long fulfilling nursing career. I followed new learning endeavors (i.e. seminary) which led me to part-time paid work serving congregations and preaching when pastors are on vacation. I volunteer my time. Isn’t that what retired people do? Thing is, I haven’t labeled myself as retired ~ it gives me visions of days on the golf course, gardening, or twiddling thumbs. Not that those things aren’t important pass-times of enjoyment and contemplation. It’s just hard for me to answer the ever-present cultural question, “what do you do?”

I’ve lived enough years to know we are more than what we do. Yet how often is that where we place value? The question I’m learning to ask is “how are you living your days?” Or maybe better, “what is informing your living these days?” Wouldn’t that make you stop before a quick and easy ‘doing’ response?

Instead, a response might be ~ enjoying the outdoors and mental challenge informs my desire to golf (I do not golf. I think we’ve had that conversation before). Pulling weeds, planting seeds, watching things grow, and creating beauty informs my gardening. Seeking stillness and connection with God informs my sitting and twiddling my thumbs.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot because in my ‘retirement’ I’ve been hearing, “you’re so busy; stop and just be a grandmother; why take on more things?” But I’m realizing I am living what informs me.

Curiosity and wonder informs my learning and thinking that has expanded me more than I’d ever imagine. Wisdom from generations past, listening to diverse experiences, hope for future generations informs my involvement for change for the common good. Healing concepts from my nursing days inform my desire to create healing environments for hearts and souls in community. Joy in creation informs making time to hike, watch the birds, admire the flowers.  Delight in my family and friends informs making space for intentional time together. To quietly BE in the early morning hours and contemplate the oh so many ways God shows up informs my living. All this is living I hope to never retire from.

What is informing your living these days?

Grateful to be in this together…