This past June, I retired from a position I had held for 35 years; I was over 70 and the time seemed right. In the lead up to this transition moment, multiple people asked “What are you going to do?” “Are you going to travel?” Are you going to write a book?” “You should write a book!” etc., etc., and so forth.

I found myself responding with a lot of “Maybe’s” and “Not sure yet’s.” I didn’t seem to have the big answer or big idea that everyone seemed to be expecting. It’s almost as though people expect you to replace that one major structure/focus that had dominated your life for so many years called work, with another similar one called retirement.

My experience over these past months has been to take small steps and to watch for the signs of where God might be leading me. It feels advent-like. I need to be preparing, which means taking small steps in the directions that seem promising. I do what I have to do right now and the next step will be presented.

Mary might have been terrified after the Angel’s visit, but she knew the right thing was to go to her cousin Elizabeth. She had no way to know that this visit would strengthen her and would transform her understanding of her new situation.

I am learning to take steps that seem to be right and to open myself to the graces that are waiting on the other side.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3 5-6).

Wishing a fruitful, fulfilling and fun advent journey to all.

Shared by Karen Gourgey