How is retirement going?
This is a question I am hearing a lot these days. Just a few months on, there are plenty of adjustments to be made...
1. I've had to buy some new clothes since I am not in my clergy "uniform" daily. Good and bad.
2. Saturdays are a lot less stressful now that I am not trying to get a sermon finalized for the next day. Generally speaking, good.
3. I'm not having to set the alarm clock but , alas, all the years of being up at 6 are a hard habit to break.
4. Hurt my knee on vacation and have been discovering the joys of physical therapy... No, I really mean it. Have been learning all KINDS of things that help my body feel better and that's a good thing. Find myself thankful for the opportunity to improve overall fitness.
5. I am missing my St. James-Santee family. After all, one cannot eat, breathe, and think about a group of people constantly for twelve years and then, poof - nothing. That is hard.
6. Church "shopping" is a bleak enterprise. Still not sure where we will fetch up. Should pew comfort be a real consideration? How to be mindful but not too mindful of Episcopal church politics in SC? Time will tell.
7. Still sticking to my plan to not make any Sunday commitments for six months.
8. We're planning some travel or at least I am. I am planning and John is willing to go along. God bless him.
9. Have been more in touch with family than for a good long time and that is good. Also realizing how hard it is to maintain a friend network beyond work when serving a congregation.
10. Life transitions are *very* disruptive to one's prayer life. I have suggested that to folks for years but now am experiencing myself. Mepkin Abbey is my favorite antidote.
Blessings to you all!
Jennie
