Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Retirement Means Time For A New Adventure

PUSH
Pray Until Something Happens



For almost a year I have been praying about whether to retire. I have looked at next steps that would come after teaching. Adoption advisor, international teaching, ABA~working with families with children with Autism, juvenile probation officer, writer, develop Encircling Moms? What does God have in the plans for my next adventures? 

I told myself I would pray about it until March. Around January, it occurred to me that it would take more courage to retire than to stay in my classroom. My classroom, students, parents and coworkers is where I am home. The middle school Positive Support Program for students with emotional, behavioral, and Autism needs is my perfect fit. To let it go is frightening. Is there another place I will be as well matched? I am allowed to make a positive difference in the lives I touch day after day. How do I give that up? Yesterday I did.

God gently placed his hands on my back and pushed. Saturday I got the retirement numbers and they were larger than I anticipated. Monday was the day to let the district know if you are retiring to get your full sick leave days. (I have no sick leave days) All year I have told myself I would decide in March. Faith is stepping out of the safety of the boat and trusting that you will not drown but will be able to walk on water. So I wrote the email~Intent to retire July 1, 2016  and pushed the send button. Decision made.

Now I will count down the days I get to teach and do my best to savor each and everyone. There are appointments to make before we are down to one vision and dental plan. The other thing is to actively pursue my next step. I am confident God will open exactly the right door for me to touch other lives and other families but I need to go out and make it happen.

Today I am glad that my decision is made. Thankful for the past decades of teaching with incredible educators. Who else gets to work side by side and carpool to work with one of their best friends? I may have to get up some mornings and drive Jenn to school. My 5:00AM internal clock gets me up anyway. 

Thanks for joining me with your prayers and patience as I came to this life decision. Pat knew this is how it would play out for months but it took me a bit longer to see clearly. Susi led by example that life after teaching can be fulfilling. I love the adventure you are on in Silverton, Colorado. Please continue to pray as I find my path forward. I am excited and ready.

In Him,
Joyful
3-1-16

2 comments:

  1. Congrats Joyful on making your decision. How rewarding it will be for you to know this is done. I retired when I was 65 from nursing, but after 3 months I went back to an office job and retired again when I was 70. I miss my nursing but have been able to continue my joy in art full time. Praying is the right way to go for sure. Blessings.

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  2. I am proud of you for making the decision to retire, even when it is stepping out of your comfort zone. In church two weeks ago the pastor quoted "do one thing each day that scares you." I like that advice; I hope you enjoy retirement as much as I do. Two weeks ago I began volunteering as a visitor to an assisted living home, a new step for me.

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