Wow! Last post was 10 months ago. I know - so who noticed?
Much has changed since September 26, 2009. There are going to be 2 new grandchildren before 2010 waves goodbye; it is doubtful that the public school systems will be my employer; all the kids are high school graduates; and the once complicated version of my life has just become "simply" complicated.
Simplicity isn't all it is cracked up to be. There, of course, is the first few days when looking at an empty calendar has the complete "Ahhhhh" factor going for it but then, in less time than expected, those empty pages loom ever so daunting. The echo of time for yourself becomes worrisome and depressing. Yard work, cleaning, social activities, vacation, kids, grandkids' ballgames...all great and (hate to admit it) cathartic but summer comes to an end and then what?
That is pretty much where I am. (Yes, I know the date is only July 13 but I'm a planner - so, I'm already preparing for my angst!)
I've been sitting in my "little piece of heaven" (our backyard) every morning listening to the world of birds, cars and our neighbor's roofing project all around me. The Bible is sitting on my lap and my laptop is open to a newly created folder, Devotions/Journal. Prayer has led me to scriptures that have been inspiring and encouraging. There is peace that comes with my time with the Lord and I feel freedom in the "down time". God knows where I am, how empty my calendar is and just what will be filling my days in the future. He has led me to this place, provided ALL that I have need of and He hasn't forgotten me. Just as I had to rely on God to help me get through the days of "too much to do", I MUST rely on Him in these "empty calendar" days. After all God made us all a promise in Hebrews 13:5 (MSG) "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," I guess that means He's staring at those empty calendar pages, too. (I'm pretty sure, however, that God has those Benjamin Franklin glasses that let you read the invisible water markings on those "empty pages"! You know - like in "National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage.....? What? You don't watch movies?)
