I started to write today about what an emotional week it has been, but then I realized that the post sounded suspiciously like one a few days ago.  I went back and reread Wednesday’s post and decided that enough is enough.  I’m sad about leaving my church.  I’ve had some strong emotional moments this week.  Turning in the keys yesterday and leaving an empty church was – well, I just don’t have the words for it.  I’ve been crying so much that Tom was afraid I was changing my mind or regretting my decision about retiring.  And that is not the case.

I do not make decisions lightly.  Most of the decisions I make are done with lots of thought and prayer.  I am not generally an impulsive person and I take my time, especially with life-altering decisions like retirement.  We have been working on this one for years, saving our money because we always knew we wanted to retire early and do some other things while we were able.  Tom and I are blessed that we have jobs where we can receive health care and retirement benefits after 30 years of service instead of when we reach a certain age.  And we now have our choice of things to do – the world is as wide open to us as it was back when we were in high school.

So enough about being sad (at least for this week).  I know the adjustment will be a struggle.  But the world is full of possibilities.  I am looking forward to having time to explore some of those possibilities – doing new things, seeing new places, meeting new people, and doing it all in partnership with my husband.  Three more days working – and then new horizons!  Time and opportunities that I am determined not to waste with regrets or sorrow.

When Tom and I were dating, we discovered that we shared a common favorite poem:  A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  The words are as relevant for us today as they were 35 years ago, so I close this post with a couple of stanzas from the poem: