Thursday, July 14, 2011

Rethinking identi-TEA


7/14/11 Morning e-mail from a Hoptown chum included an adorable, animated, elderly couple "dancing" because dancers remind Diane of me. An afternoon delivery arrived from Acadia, ME filled with Jordon Pond tea canisters of their house blend because friend, Bernie, wanted me to have my favorite "cuppa" as I enter my retirement season.

Retirement. A season without identi-TEA for me at this point. A season where I'll need to "sit a spell" with my cuppa to adequately discern God's plan for me. My original plan was to care for loved ones---both recently deceased. Future plans are a jumble or a muddle. I have no idea what my new identi-TEA will be. Maybe I need ".....a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head...." (Charles Dickens)

Dancing and tea continue to be a part of my identity, but what about the big picture? My purpose? (Especially when my body feels worn out.) My significance? (I no longer have a job.) My ministry? (When I just received my Medicare card.)

My identi-TEA seems wrapped up in the answers of those three questions. Generally scripture gives me the answer. When he reveals His personal plan for me, I'll let you know.
"...Love the Lord and follow His plan for your lives. Cling to Him and serve Him enthusiastically." Joshua 22:5