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

"Plan G"

4/14/11 I am indeed a planner---- though as most blog readers have come to realize, my life often takes me to plan B, C, D and so on. That’s certainly what has happened in the last month. Daddy’s stroke, Mommar’s (hubby’s mom) terminal cancer prognosis and my on-going head to toe medical dilemmas were not in my plans. Continuing to work until 2012 was my plan. Pragmatically (translated, financially) I knew I needed to work at least one more year. I asked hubby for his input. He said, “Retire.” I asked, (several times), “Are you sure?”

For years (42, but whose counting) I thought that “RETIREMENT” would be the best word I could ever hear, so why was I worrying or second guessing? My calculations said 2012. Obviously God’s calculations (Plan G) were saying 2011. But God………..in his grace, affirmed the timetable for me in obvious ways. I like obvious!

#1 Larry’s prayerful conclusion

#2 BSF lesson Monday night so clear about being fully devoted to what the Lord has planned for you (me)

#3 Tuesday’s quiet time about “BIG” decision---when looking for verse on contentment (I Timothy 6:6) I “stumbled” (by God’s grace) on The Experiencing God Study Bible’s, “God’s Focus” notation on the corresponding page. (I Timothy 5:16) The question bore into my psyche and soul and affirmed my direction as I took my “papers” in to Dr. J.

It couldn’t have been clearer. This is what God wants me to do now.

Plan G (God’s plan) was typed out just for me.