In everything give thanks . . .
1 Thessalonians 5:18
It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada. I’m not one for holidays, but I’ll cook a turkey today and we’ll eat well nonetheless.
I talked with my son yesterday; he was anticipating a traditional feast at his home in a few hours.
”You should cook your turkey today, then you can do nothing tomorrow,” he advised.
And I remembered those days when I was still working, and I would cook my turkey on Saturday or Sunday so holiday Monday could be a true holiday for me.
“I’m retired,” I told him. “I can do nothing any day I want.”
And I realized that while I can, I don’t. It’s funny how the reality of retirement is not quite the same as what I envisioned it would be for all those years.
It’s so much more than the opportunity to do nothing. It’s an opportunity to do according to my schedule, and to be busy at things that fulfill in a way that work didn’t. It’s an opportunity to work at a different pace, to take time to appreciate simple moments that passed unnoticed when I was caught up in the busyness of a career.
I’m thankful for the years of my career; I’m also thankful that I was gifted with the opportunity to transition to a post-career life when I was still relatively young. I’m thankful for the city we returned to when we retired, for the friends I have and for the family we are closer to. I’m grateful for so much—perhaps a simple happy Thanksgiving list is in order.
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Simple happy Thanksgiving.
Fall mums, still bold and beautiful in the yard.
Swiss chard from the garden that still gives.
Cousins—one of the sweetest gifts of this year.
Pumpkin pie.
Crunchy fallen leaves.
The Women’s Bible study ladies.
A strong and healthy husband.
Jesus. Always and forever.
Simple pleasures, simple happy. I tried doing “nothing” for a few days. It’s doesn’t suit me. 🙂
And yet, I find there’s always room to be intentional about maintaining balance. I hear you though….I like to keep busy doing things I like to do, as opposed to things I have to do.
As someone for whom retirement is beginning to loom (I’m noticing the feeling of ‘threat’ in that as I write!), I like your perspective …
Oh, Alexa! It’s such a gift! I remember well the fear of jumping off the cliff of work into the chasm of retirement. Scary, yes. Oh so wonderful, once the dust settles though. I wish you wel as you make plans and prepare to make the transition.