Endings and Then What?
What do you do when the work you have poured your soul into comes to an end? When the project of your dreams is completed? When the passion you pursued comes to its conclusion?
What do you do when you have spent your life, yes your LIFE, in pursuit of one thing, and it's over?
I can tell you how it feels.
You celebrate, but inside, there is a hollow ache. Right in the center of your being. A tangible hole. An unexpected flow of grief hits. Waves of sadness grip your heart as your mind cries "It's over. I don't want it to be over." So, you smile all the smiles, you cheer all the cheers, but, alone, you cry tears that don't seem to release you.
There is no going back.
This is where I am. I have graduated my last homeschool student. All of the plays, games, lessons and school events have ended. All of the time planning lessons and pouring over books is finished. All of the teaching and coaching has come to an end. It's over.
What is next?
I could get a job. Finding something to do is not the problem. The real struggle is finding something that will fill my soul. People say, "Pray about it," and, oh, I HAVE been praying. Praying and Praying. At some point, prayer needs to turn into action. Otherwise I will be praying about what to do for the next twenty five years!
I am 50 years old and I am starting fresh. I am seeking my next life goal. I am seeking a new purpose, one that is as meaningful as the first. Yet, I don't know where to begin.
Like a night hike in the forest, I cannot see very far. The trees seem tall, but the surroundings are slightly familiar. I have done this before. Once, long ago, I figured out what to invest my life in. I was much younger then. More invincible. More unstoppable. Still, I have done this before. Once upon a time, I found my way through the trees. Though this is not quite the same forest, the feelings are familiar. I am older now. More experienced. More cautious. Yet, the process may be the same. Little by little, I will find my way.
Maybe you have come to a turn in the road, a life change: new baby, new job, new location, new something. Maybe you too are at the end of something. You might be wondering, too.
Where is our confidence when everything is changing? In the One who does not change.
I read verses like Micah 3:6 - "For I am the Lord, I do not change." and verses from "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" float through my mind and ease my heart. "Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not. As thou hast been thou forever will be."
I am looking and listening for opportunities around me. I am praying. My hands are open. I know I will take action steps to try some new things. As I take action, in my heart and soul, I will wait on the Lord. I will remember Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let your heart take courage ; wait for the Lord!" You can take this verse with you too.
And I will find my way...to my new life goal. My calling.
What do you do when you have spent your life, yes your LIFE, in pursuit of one thing, and it's over?
I can tell you how it feels.
You celebrate, but inside, there is a hollow ache. Right in the center of your being. A tangible hole. An unexpected flow of grief hits. Waves of sadness grip your heart as your mind cries "It's over. I don't want it to be over." So, you smile all the smiles, you cheer all the cheers, but, alone, you cry tears that don't seem to release you.
There is no going back.
This is where I am. I have graduated my last homeschool student. All of the plays, games, lessons and school events have ended. All of the time planning lessons and pouring over books is finished. All of the teaching and coaching has come to an end. It's over.
What is next?
I could get a job. Finding something to do is not the problem. The real struggle is finding something that will fill my soul. People say, "Pray about it," and, oh, I HAVE been praying. Praying and Praying. At some point, prayer needs to turn into action. Otherwise I will be praying about what to do for the next twenty five years!
I am 50 years old and I am starting fresh. I am seeking my next life goal. I am seeking a new purpose, one that is as meaningful as the first. Yet, I don't know where to begin.
Like a night hike in the forest, I cannot see very far. The trees seem tall, but the surroundings are slightly familiar. I have done this before. Once, long ago, I figured out what to invest my life in. I was much younger then. More invincible. More unstoppable. Still, I have done this before. Once upon a time, I found my way through the trees. Though this is not quite the same forest, the feelings are familiar. I am older now. More experienced. More cautious. Yet, the process may be the same. Little by little, I will find my way.
Maybe you have come to a turn in the road, a life change: new baby, new job, new location, new something. Maybe you too are at the end of something. You might be wondering, too.
Where is our confidence when everything is changing? In the One who does not change.
I read verses like Micah 3:6 - "For I am the Lord, I do not change." and verses from "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" float through my mind and ease my heart. "Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not. As thou hast been thou forever will be."
I am looking and listening for opportunities around me. I am praying. My hands are open. I know I will take action steps to try some new things. As I take action, in my heart and soul, I will wait on the Lord. I will remember Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let your heart take courage ; wait for the Lord!" You can take this verse with you too.
And I will find my way...to my new life goal. My calling.
