It has been just over a month since I left my last job of 10 years and while it was labeled a “retirement” I’m not convinced in my own mind that’s the box I would check on a form asking my employment status. Because I’m not officially what we refer to as “retirement age” it’s the best term to describe me when talking to others about what “I do”. So, exactly, “what do I do”?

Right now what I do is see what each day holds for me and borrowing from a very close friend of mine I have adopted forming my daily agenda on the concept “of being in charge of my own choices”. To make the decision process more complete, I have added in taking into consideration the weather for the day and what tasks might need to be accomplished in order to keep my household running smoothly i.e. is a good day to hang laundry on the line so that we have clean clothes for the week or are the weather conditions speaking to me to enjoy a walk or bike ride on the “off” days when I’m not reporting to my personal trainer.  I like to read and have found that I can enjoy a good book whether it’s on the deck in the sun or curled  up on the love seat while a good rain gives everything outside a good drink from nature’s pitcher.

Today has already proven to be a mixture of enjoyable activities for me and is the kind of day that gives me great satisfaction. I found myself rising earlier than usual (thank you to the crows in our yard), poured a cup of freshly brewed coffee, got my iPad and settled onto the couch to browse my various apps, eventually open the Bible application and feed from my daily devotional. Getting energized physically, spiritually and emotionally are off to a good start and by 8 am  I am out the door for a 37 minute walk (according to my IPhone app) and marvel at the beauty of a June morning that is adorned with the lush green of lawns, the splashes of color from our neighbors’ flower beds, and the cool breeze floating on the air as I make my way along the roadside back home to get cleaned up to join the “outside world”…that is…being around people.

On this particular morning I had the privilege of working in our church’s office as a volunteer for several hours, a new role that I have enjoyed since leaving my job. I’m enjoying learning new program applications that the church uses to track, publish, and serve the needs of our families and community. It’s a warm feeling to be part of a “team” again, a small group of individuals with a greater purpose in mind compared to  that of a secular employment position.

When finished at the church I kept an appointment with my chiropractor and upon being done there made my way to Wal Mart to fill a need to buy “just a few more flowers” for the front yard (thanks to a friend who posted photos on her Facebook wall and got me inspired—again!). Got those in pots and hanging from their poles and it was back outside on the deck for a half hour of sunshine and reading my current book. Yet, calling my name during the approach to mid time afternoon was the commitment to “blog” (so here I am) followed by some much needed bookkeeping which will soon lead into preparation for supper which, this week, are all quick and small, because this Vacation Bible School  at our church and both of us are volunteers.

One of my favorite Biblical concepts comes from Proverbs 16:9: “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ” (NASB) I believe this verse. I believe that a day  begun and established by the Lord is a day full of experiences, activities, and opportunities not only for my enjoyment and satisfaction, but for His purpose and accomplishments  that further make any and all given days productive.

So, while I “think” that I am in “charge of my own choices” I have to chuckle because deep down I realize that the “things” I choose to do come from necessity, a servant’s heart, or an obedient spirit. In reality all are good. All are beneficial. All contribute to an “end-of-the-day” ability to lay my head on my pillow and anticipate being re-energized in order to greet a brand new day and say with hopeful anticipation “good morning Lord! Where are we going today?”…grab a cup of coffee, snatch up my iPad and reading glasses…and check the calendar, and kind of “do it all over again”…..whatever “It” happens to be for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday…..you get the picture!