June 1, 2019 – I am most grateful to say that today marks one full year of retirement for me. I honestly had no idea what retirement would “be” for me. I totally expected to walk out of my office last year on May 31, 2018, skip to my car, and never look back. Well…
That didn’t happen. I reflected often those first few months and discovered quickly that the “work me” had way more of a hold on me than even I realized! I loved my job responsibilities, and I cared about the people I worked with for so many years. It took me a few months to unwind, sort out my new season, and to finally give myself some grace. I took on too much in the early months because I mistakenly believed retired people had time to do everything! They don’t. They do have more time than working folks for sure…but they have the blessing of choosing the things that will occupy their time. I had to learn that and it just takes time to sort out!
So here I am today, reflecting on my first year of retirement. I’ve always been a “dates person.” Sometimes that’s good, sometimes it’s not! In this instance, it has been very good for my soul to look back and see all the ways God has blessed me this first year of retirement! He is so faithful.
The pictures below are highlights from each month, June 2018-May 2019. (I decided not to add all the pictures of my garden, the books I read, and the quilts I made…although those are a “few of my favorite things.“) These last few months I have looked at retirement through a different filter. After time in prayer, and conversations with my husband and friends, I have been reminded again of the reasons I retired in the first place (besides just being old enough), and that is for time with my family and time for me. And it’s okay to slow down. I’m learning that every day that passes.
We LOVED having him with us!
It was a great trip with lots of good conversation.
This stop for “all things cast iron” was so much fun for me!
We took a group of Senior Adults there in September 2018.
September was a BUSY month for this retiree and I loved every single event!
I am now helping my husband in our church’s senior adult ministry.
We are loving this new season in our ministry!
We love this sweet German Shepherd puppy.
My parents celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on November 23.
I am so thankful for them and so blessed to be retired
and enjoy having them in my life!
I didn’t feel rushed and had time to enjoy all the music, lights,
and celebrations in a deeper way. I love my family!
of cabin fever, we got outside and enjoyed the puddles!
in February 2019 at Big Bear Lodge! FAMILY TIME IS THE BEST!
This was the first weekend of March 2019!
It was hard to just choose one picture, but I loved these cherry blossoms blooming. My favorite thing was the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery.
These folks are amazing and it is a joy to serve the Lord with them!
At my age, I don’t take that for granted and thank the Lord for His grace.
sat on when he was also 5 years old.
We brought that rock from Henry County
here to the Morton Farm 12 years ago.
They are full of energy and fun! I love them so much!
What a great first year for me! As I reflected back over all my pictures (both the ones here and the ones on my iPhone), I see the joys of family, faith, and fun in every picture. Thank you Lord for giving me this year. May my life continue to be a blessing to others in all I do. I am so grateful.
Gran Jan
Loved every minute. Amazing family and very special Friend. mother and grandmothers
What a wonderful first year of retirement the Lord blessed you with! You have such a beautiful family, and it is just wonderful that your dear parents are still with you. May He continue to shower His richest blessings upon you and your life!
Thank you so much Cheryl! It is so good to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words and support. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.