"finali-TEA" of current "directionali-TEA"

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

Mrs. Rand McNally, here.....is ready to hang up her maps. No longer can I be the "directionally" sound one in mapping out our routes. This past weekend in Austin, TX proved that. I was even somewhat directionally dis-oriented in our hotel, no less. 

Recently I taught on "being confident" (Psalm 27:3) & blogged on "relying on God," (Isaiah 40: 10) but I've begun to realize that a new season of life is now beginning. A "direction" change, coupled with understanding of  God's wisdom in this season needs to be employed.
Things aren't quite what they once were. I can still make plans and God will still direct them (Psalm 37:23)....but the plans might be fewer. I can also allow younger ones to lead the way. Following son's BIG Suburban on those confusing multi-level cloverleafs, access roads and exits allowed me to enjoy the ride and not be stressed. Possibilites of getting lost, seem not so overwhelming when I don't feel responsible.

Change, especially from aging, is sometimes hard to swallow, but God...can offer new directionality and it will be okay!
Final proof of finali-TEA of current directionali-TEA---I just spilled my morning cuppa all over my map.

Legacy

9/12/12 It’s hard to load 27 years of living into a moving van as one enters a new season of life. To pack up to travel 13 hours away to a new home location and reduce one’s household to fit into a truck seems minimizing the importance of a life lived in that homeplace. The good news---it’s the relationship with people and the memories, especially the spiritual legacies, which remain. An impact on others that far outlasts our household goods. 

The Swets were such godly, caring people for us and all on our street. We watched our street change together. We watched people be carried out in ambulances together. Our kids grew up together.

We will miss their legacy of kindness as will the folks at Second Pres where Paul ministered for years. International students will miss their open door and holiday meals. All of Longreen will miss their gifts of soup on windowsills, energy drinks at the back door, caramel corn tied up with a verse of scripture and neighborhood watchfulness. 

Their kitchen table and chairs remain, along with the large, shiny “new” kitchen window’s unobstructed view of backyards. No fences between our house and theirs have given all our kids and grands lots of room to hit baseballs, ride in mini golf carts and just roam. A good neighborhood for folks to get to know each other.

This morning has the new neighbors, a young couple whose grandparents I know, making their first steps toward moving in and establish their own home and legacy. May they build a spiritual inheritance as well---a legacy that will last into eternity.

A time for everything.....

5/20/11 Tonight I attend Houston High’s graduation---a graduation of sorts for me as well. Retirement looms for me---yet, less than 3 months ago I had no idea that my final “work” season was upon me. Last Friday night we were discussing funeral arrangements for Larry’s mom. Three months prior we had no idea that stomach cancer would be her final season. Seasons come and seasons go. No where is this illustrated better than in God’s word.

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

Dying and mourning. Laughing and dancing. Season upon season. And now there will be a time for birthing. That baby bump makes me smile through all the tears of last week. A time to be born……………….A time for everything.

SPEED BUMPS AHEAD

2/18/11 Baby Boomers Alert----It’s not easy being in one’s Medicare application year. So many unknowns loom and the volumes of information alone just add to the confusion. It’s disconcerting when the doctor no longer sees you as agile but notes that you are “spry.” Isn’t that a term for old folks? Hm-m-m. Even more disconcerting is when a doc won’t even see you anymore because you are on Medicare. “At your age” is another doc response when one questions certain ailments.
I’m not exactly speeding through life at this juncture, though the years do seem to be flying by. Plus, I seem more likely to tumble over the bumps that keep popping up in my path----like the riser on the HHS stage. In front of the “All Shook Up” cast I went careening to the floor after tripping on it. It’s just my new season.

Actually most “new” seasons in one’s life need to be approached with caution. There are bumps in the road---some are needed so that we don’t fall headlong into disaster.* Speed bumps are there to slow us down with an awareness of what’s ahead. What if we don’t really know what’s ahead? (Many times we don’t, even if we think we do.) Parenthood comes to mind. So many variables. First-time parents can’t even begin to imagine all of the twists and turns and challenges and delights ahead.

The final season, regardless of age, might come speeding in without warning---the death this week of a friend’s 27 yr. old grandson is proof of that. Another has a short final season--- “3 month” prognosis. Others, like Daddy and Mommar begin a memory slide that makes the season especially hard for family, while others their age are traveling, playing bridge or e-mailing, "skype"ing, and downhill skiing.

So what’s the answer to the fear of the “bumps”? How does one make the most of life’s seasons? TRUST---whether the bumps sneak up on you or you’re sailing through life at a “perfect” speed, the answer is found in trusting the Lord in the midst of your own season.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way. 
24 *When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. 25 I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread. (Psalm 37:23-25)