One Year Later
An ending
Walking out a door
New beginnings
The future looks bright
My sequel
A gift of time
30 years of teaching
Letting go
Retirement
Each set of words above symbolizes a time of remembering and the hope of new beginnings. The chance to listen, explore, seek and ultimately find the next steps for my sequel. As I walked out the door of school one last time, I left with hope, excitement and dream-filled visions. And now one year later, I reflect on all that has passed and wonder again, what my next steps will be.
My vision for retirement was somewhat reworked from day one by circumstances that God knew all along. Each snapshot of hope was molded into a new photo-shopped picture as God took me on a journey to learn grace, perseverance, and understanding what it means to seek less of me and more of Him. My vision quickly looked like splinters of wood that fragmented the whole into a picture with rough edges and sharp corners. I have not always shown gratitude for this journey or grace in the situations I faced. But I know that God was orchestrating the path and working hard to teach me lessons that I am still learning.
One year later I am asking if dreams are possible and if so will they come true? The answer is without a doubt “YES”.
When I struggled with frustration over feelings of missing out, God was faithful.
When I forgot over and over to extend grace to all and especially myself, God was faithful.
When the thought of one more day of doing the same thing with no glimpse of it looking different sent me into a tailspin, God was faithful.
When I chose an attitude of wanting what I wanted, when I wanted it, God was faithful.
God always chooses the perfect path for our lives, but I searched for a path based on my human desires and dreams. As I look back one year later, I need to ask myself if choosing my agenda as more important than God’s was worth the heartache of not being present for His beautiful and amazing plans???
One year later it has become clear that my ways are not God’s ways, but His plans are always good and perfect.
Take good counsel and accept correction—
that’s the way to live wisely and well.
21 We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSG
I am still learning the lessons of grace for all, perseverance when God has another direction He wants me to go and humility in seeking gratitude that God chose a beautiful life just for me.
[Tweet “God is faithful and has a beautiful life planned for all of us.”]
What might be clouding your vision today?
I pray you seek the truth that God is always faithful and has a beautiful life planned for each of you.
Blessings of grace along the way!
Linking up with these beautiful ladies!
and Dawn for Grace Moments
Wow, a whole year! You’ve come so far, Mary. Yes, there are splinters, our vision blurs, the mirror distorts and cracks and the way ahead looks out of focus, but God… is faithful, loving and true to fulfil His plans and purposes for us. Sorry I’m a bit slow in keeping up with your posts. Life has been a little more chaotic for me lately. I yearn for some deep soul (and body) rest and hope that’s part of the picture in the not so distant future! Meanwhile, I am learning to rest in Him no matter what is happening. Peace is a Person, none other than Jesus Himself. Blessed as always by your words, sweet friend! x
I am reassured through it all that God is faithful. When I cannot see clearly, God can. When my dreams seem to be shelved, God is making them better. When I feel the path is being derailed, God is in the detours. God is peace and He is who we need when life is uncertain. I needed the reminder that peace is a person.
I am praying for you as you seek rest and a chance to slow down. Love and hugs friend!
where did this year go, friend? it seemed to take wings and fly as we’ve walked through our transitions and losses, hand and hand.
you have been a steady companion. i am grateful that so much of what we’ve written and experienced has been a steady cadence.
i thank God for you and know He has plans for your year ahead …
Exactly! Where did the year go? I do know that hanging this past year with you has made such a difference. Friends pave the way for grace and peace as they share life together. You have helped me in this journey as we both face transitions, uncertainty and a beautiful future.
I am so grateful for you! Looking forward to seeing how God’s faithfulness will reveal itself to both of us.
One year – wow! I’m sure on the one hand it seems like only yesterday, and on the other it seems like forever! What a JOY it has been to watch you grow in faith over this past year, my friend! Sharing you life of obedience to Him here on your blog has been such an inspiration to me!
One year! It went by fast especially now that I am looking back. I learned a lot this year and know that I have so much more to learn. I am blessed that through it all God was faithful and will continue to be faithful. I have grown here in this space because I am blessed by this beautiful community who rallies around and encourages so well. Your words mean so much to me. Thank you for your beautiful perspective!
“I have not always shown gratitude for this journey or grace in the situations I faced. But I know that God was orchestrating the path and working hard to teach me lessons that I am still learning.” I could say these words myself, Mary. We make plans but God knows what is best and trusting Him through it all is the best thing we can do. It’s not always easy because we try to hold on to what we think we need, but when we surrender to Him, there is such peace and blessing.
We do try to hold onto what we think we need over and over. I am learning to surrender it all to God because in the letting go I will find peace. Thank you for your wise words. It’s always a pleasure to have you join in the conversation.
I’m always torn between doing what I feel God has called me to do and my fears about doing it. I need to get over myself :/.
I am just anxious for next steps. I need to be patient and not try to create these next steps without God giving the okay first. I also need to get over myself. We share that in common. Happy week my friend!
From this angle, it looks like you’ve done quite well this year. And, I believe it will only get better! xo
Those words mean so much to me Susan! Thank you for sharing the view from where you are. I was not able to see what was right in front of me. Blessings and hugs!
I can’t believe it’s already been a year since you retired, Mary! I have absolutely loved watching you blossom and follow God along your new brave path. He has big plans for you, my friend :). I’m so looking forward to hanging out with you this week! Thank you for your beautiful, inspiring words today.
You sure know how to encourage. It has been a year but one that doesn’t always look like I have blossomed from my perspective. I am trusting that God has big plans for me and can’t wait to watch them unfold. You blessed me with your sweet words today! Thank you!
A year goes by so quickly. I’m so thankful that our God is faithful. Cant wait to see where this year takes you friend!
It is amazing how fast a year can go by. I am looking forward to all God has in store for me too. Thank you for being here today!
It is so hard to believe that an entire year has already passed. It is amazing how God can change our plans and move us in the direction He has for us. I read this quote earlier today & have been thinking on it all afternoon …
“Let Thy will be mine, and let my will always follow Thine, and entirely accord with it.”
(Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Christ)
And that is so it. To know His will is one thing but to not let my will get in the way of His is another. Apart from His will, we will not have true peace in our hearts. We will always be at unrest. He is such a faithful God! May you continue to be blessed in all you do!
Love the quote! It really helps to get a different perspective and the quote helps to give me that perspective. God is faithful but the question we need to ask is if we are faithful to Him. That is the part that seems to get in the way as I am seeking my way. I have a lot to learn but God is patient and always faithful.
Thank you for this encouragement today that God is always faithful. It sounds like God is teaching you so much in this past year. Oh, how true that our ways are not His ways. We love to follow our own agendas, but time and again He shows us His way is best and He is always out for our good even when we don’t understand. Blessings and hugs to you, Mary!
Thank you for always encouraging me and giving me perspective. The lessons I am learning are ones that I need to hear over and over and having faithful friends like you visit really helps. Love and hugs, Trudy!
Thanks for this encouraging post. My husband and I are 6 months into “the sequel”. Still resting and waiting on Him.
You are welcome. Congratulations on being into your sequel. The waiting part is the hardest but I know through it all that God will always be faithful. I will be praying for you and your husband as you listen, wait and learn what is next.
“…the next steps for my sequel.” I love that phrase! Yes, letting go of our agenda is not easy. I have stirrings in my heart yet my insecurities and vulnerabilities can be my ‘agenda’ instead of getting out of the way and letting God’s faithfulness show!
Your honesty here never fails to help me in my own walk. Knowing God is faithful and listening when He calls me to certain things in my life don’t always work together. That is how my agenda gets in the way. Thank you for being here and for sharing your heart.
Mary,
Hard to believe a year has passed already?? I’m sure there were times that you thought it would drag on forever. Waiting. perseverance, and patience are definitely fruits that God has had to work into me. I wasn’t always on board with His ways, but ultimately I see that times of preparation are needed in order to be ready and able to do the next best thing. Praying for you as you continue to walk through this new door…thanks for letting me/us share in your journey and your revelations from God.
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
It is hard to believe that a year has passed. A year of hopes and dreams that God is still working on for me. I know the beautiful truth that God is faithful and that is what has pulled me through this past year. I always love seeing you here because I know you “get it”. We have been through similar things and your sweet encouragement is so affirming. Blessings on your week!
I keep forgetting you were a teacher Mary. I substitute teach and school is out this week and there are only two days left and I’m feeling free because the phone is not ringing. LOL
I agree with you about our visions for retirement – 43 years for me with the DoD and now God just keeps planting dreams and desires in my heart for blogging, for subbing, for on-line Bible studies volunteering as a team leader and on and on.
He is faithful and does have a beautiful life planned for us. Such truth in your words.
You blessed me so much today by affirming my words and feelings. I love that we have the connection of teaching and visions of what’s next in our lives. You brought me hope today with your comment and something to hold onto as I look to the future of what God will bring. Blessings and hope for the future!
Your phrase “snapshot of hope” is so strong! And I love the truth that God is faithful — no matter what our circumstances, his character is consistent. Trusting to stay in the center of this truth today!
Through all of the changes and the things I have had to let go of this past year, the one thing I am sure of is that God is faithful. It is a promise and truth wrapped together in the strong arms of God. I am praying we all stay in the center of this truth everyday.