Thursday, October 28, 2010

Transition Thoughts on Thankful Thursday

As each morning wakens us, my husband and I find ourselves talking about retirement and just where that will be. Retirement is coming early for Joel, due to his (and my) battle with Lyme Disease and several coinfections. It is not what we had planned....not by a long shot. We had plans to travel, do mission work, visit all our children, in-loves, and grandchildren and see extended family. Those plans were all thrown into a giant dryer and spun around. As we take out each piece of our changed life, we are finding hidden blessings to be thankful for.

My illnesses slowly changed our lives over the years, but things went down hill when I became homebound six years ago. The spinning only got worse when Joel was also diagnosed with Lyme and coinfections 16 months ago and was put on disability. His ministry was put on hold until he took a less than part time job as an interim in a town nearby. This job was a blessing we were not expecting! Even with the interim job, thoughts of retirement are at the forefront.

Thus, we find ourselves in the midst of a transition. For the first time ever I hear my husband say, "I don't want to do this anymore. I am exhausted and I need to rest."

Today I am actually thankful for this time of transition. Oh, I am not thankful we are sick, but I am truly thankful we have the option to live on the permanent disability he has been given and for the option of early retirement. I am thankful that we have God in the center of all the decisions we need to make. I am thankful for the progress we have made in our treatments and the wonderful doctor who works with us to lead us towards better health. I am thankful for God's promises in His word that give us the hope we need. I am thankful that God is leading the way in the wheres, hows, and whens of this new and unexpected journey. I am so thankful that He loves us and wants the best for us.

Reading another blog today, I heard the words ~ I decided to look at my glass as half-full instead of half-empty~. No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, there are plenty of blessings to keep our glass half full. I am thankful today for our half-full glass and the hope I have that some day soon we will be saying, "Our cup runneth over!".

4 comments:

Karen said...

Renee, what a blessing to read your outlook! "God at the center" of our decisions. That's the way, the only way. Thinking of you today. Thanks for all your sweet comments, left a my place.

NanaNor's said...

Hi sweet friend, I so understand the transition with things not being as we expected them. Retirement is a blessing but then with the economy things are tighter than I thought possible, but not matter God delights in meeting our needs-Amen!!! I'm lifting you and your hubby up right now for healing and peace in the journey.
Hugs today.
Noreen

Anonymous said...

Keeping you both in my prayers. Your wonderful outlook is very inspirational. My husband is disabled and can't drive and life has been very different for us also, but through it all, we know God is blessing us.

Fliterary said...

May God grant you both rest and peace in His presence. For in His presence is fullness of joy. Thanking God with you for His provision.

Praying for you, sweet lady!

Love,
Lisa