Let's get personal

When life changes, so does the circle of friends that goes with it. All of those moms I saw effortlessly when my kids were in activities are no longer conveniently on my daily path. And many of them are still faithfully walking that hands-on-parenting path which makes my new job challenging. This empty nest time requires that I be more intentional about building friendships -- at church, the Y, my neighborhood, and anywhere else that God leads.

"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

In it for the long haul

My nest is not really empty. It isn't even mine -- it is ours. Twenty-seven years ago today, my husband asked my father for permission to marry me. (He said 'yes'.) I don't want to get moving so quickly on my journey that I forget I am not traveling alone. I don't want to be like the Gores, who have just "grown apart". So while I am exploring my options for life, I am mindful of my marriage.

We did try a new bonding activity this week. I hope we don't ever repeat it, since the poison ivy rash (and accompanying whining) is driving me crazy! Next time we walk through the woods on a warm summer day, we will not stop to pull the wild grape vines out of the trees. A cord of three strands is not easily broken -- and if that strand is covered with leaves of three, let it be!

Today is my parents fifty-fourth anniversary! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for providing a great example to follow.

Fit for service

It is easier to move forward if you can move! I have been having back trouble on and off for four years. For the last few weeks a physical therapist has been helping me design an exercise program to strengthen the muscle groups that are giving me problems. Today is a "no pain, no gain day" which gives me hope of great gains! My next push is to improve my cardio-fitness by upping the speed on my treadmill a little each week.

One job done!

I am the President! It sounds like a great honorific, but really it is just a big job. I accepted the office of President for my P.E.O. chapter because I knew my empty nest would put me in a position to complete the task well. My term began in March, but I have just now read the final document and shredded all of the out-dated materials I uncovered along the way. This is the first of my major life reorganization projects that I have completed this week. I also uncovered many little known responsibilities that I have to take on to help this sisterhood be the best it can be. When I hand over this job after two years I hope it will be easier for the next person -- after all I did eliminate 1/3 of the reading material.

P.E.O. is an international sisterhood that promotes educational opportunities for women. We raise money for scholarships and grants. We also encourage and support each other through life as we work together toward these projects.

Restoring my soul

I really do want to make sure that my I am following God through the next phase of life. Since His word is to be the light on my path, I have decided to read my Bible through this year. I started in February and have recently finished Malachi (the last book of the Old Testament). Even though I have read the Bible before, I have been amazed at the details that seem new to me. Mostly, I am reminded that God is not Santa. Being "nice" does not mean I will get what ever I want. Health, wealth, happiness, long-life are not guaranteed. His plan may not be comfortable or easy -- but it is always best. Now, on to the New (Testament that is)!

Where to begin?

Before I can move forward, I have to clean out the past -- so I am emptying closets, getting rid of my old "home school" stuff, organizing my cupboards, and rediscovering a wealth of possessions that may or may not be useful. The trash can was VERY full today and I suspect next week it will be overflowing. Now, if I can just get the windows washed I might be able to kick back and enjoy my newly spacious home!

Just getting started

I am looking to redefine myself. For twenty-four years I have been "mom". I am still a mom but I graduated my last child into adulthood and my round the clock responsibilities ended. I finally have "extra time." So what can I do now? And more importantly, what does God have for me next?