When I graduated from college, I saw endless possibilities stretched out before me. I believed the best was yet to come. I began my career as a teacher and couldn’t imagine the day when I would be retired. Flash forward thirty or so years and now I imagine my life much differently. Retirement is part of my everyday vocabulary and the endless years look shorter.
I have been retired for a year and a half and look on this part of my life as my sequel. But sometimes we reach empty nest status or find ourselves without the identity we had for many years. Where is the purpose in a sequel where you are not sure what title to hang your hat on each day?
This year my one word is “Purpose”. In the mundane, well-planned and surprise moments, I am seeking my purpose. Life is not what we imagine it to be, but is instead what God has purposed for each of us. There is no rule or saying that ties us into believing life ends when we retire or become empty nesters. Instead, we look to each day as the beginning of something new that God promises for us. Each moment has been carefully scripted by our amazing Author. God desires for each of us to intentionally seek Him in each moment by opening our hearts to the new chapters he has yet to reveal.
I believe the best is yet come.
Life experience is my “Ace” to achieving bigger things for God. This is my beginning. I am hanging my hat on the title of Child of God, knowing that He has many blessings and plans left for me to accomplish.
As I seek my own specific purpose, I know that success lies in …
Seeking God first
Aligning who I am with who God chose me to be
Spending time learning God’s truths by reading His Word
Holding onto His promises of hope, love, and redemption
Joining my story with God’s story to provide clarity and direction in my own life
If we believe the “best is yet to come” and trust in God’s promises, we can defer to Him as the Author of our stories. Each chapter of our lives is always worked out for good because of God’s deep love for us.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
There are no mistakes in who we are and what we are chosen to do by God.
His thoughts are not our thoughts, but what a beautiful union when our thoughts sync with His. As we seek identity in a world that desires to name us everything but who we are, there is beautiful communion when our best is exactly what God chose for us all along.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:9-11
Whether you are an empty nester, stay at home mom, or work outside of the home, your best is still to come. Our jobs, status in life or age does not identify us. We are known by God who desires nothing more than to call us His child. That is the best identity I could ever wish for.
Where will you hang your hat as you enter the second half of life?
Diane W Bailey – The Consilium
Latest posts by Mary Geisen (see all)
- I’m Retired and Still Believe the Best is Yet to Come - February 7, 2017
- From Thinking to Believing… - October 4, 2016
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I love the way your words embrace faith along with ACTION! There is such a clear-eyed determination to put yourself at God’s disposal — I can hardly wait to see what He will do!
Thank you Michele. I am determined because I have this beautiful gift of time that I wish to use to honor God. Let’s walk bravely together!
Mary, as I approach retirement from teaching at the end of this school year, I feel excited about the possibilities. I especially loved this line: Life is not what we imagine it to be, but is instead what God has purposed for each of us. I do not yet know what His purpose for the next part of my life will be, but I want to earnestly seek Him. Thank you for your wise counsel.
How exciting that you will be retiring at the end of the school year! I imagine these words today are ones that you can wrap your head around since you are approaching a new season in your own life. Thank you for stopping by and I’m looking forward to seeing “what’s next” for you.