I was so excited when I figured out that I could retire this year. Even though I loved my work, the daily grind of commuting over 2 hours to and from Queens every day was becoming too taxing on me. Once I retired, I set out the ambitious goal of co-creating the next chapter of my life with God. I decided that I would spend at least one hour each day, journaling, meditating, and praying to find meaningful activities that nourish my soul. But first, I wanted to have fun. I enjoyed traveling, hiking, Salsa dancing, and walking over 10,000 steps a day. And I forgot about my goal. I forgot that my retirement is a gift from God and that what I do with that gift is my gift to God. I was having too much fun.
God has a gentle way of bringing me back to him. After one of my hikes, I felt pain on my right knee. Interesting, I thought. I ignored it and still went dancing, and running up and down the stairs. Then all of sudden, I could not do any stairs, let alone Salsa dancing. I could not even walk without pain. I got a fancy dx, patellofemoral pain syndrome (pps). I thought I could do some physical therapy and go back to dancing. But no, God had another plan. My knee pain did not go away and forced me to slow down. I realized that whether we’re working or retired, we tend to do too much. We want to fill the gap with activities, socializing, meetings, binge-watching Netflix, or whatever. I need to do less and just be. So that I can hear God. So that I can experience the presence of God. So that I can excitedly wait for the birth of Jesus. So that I can write this blog. So that I can create the time to meditate, to journal, and to pray. So that I can have dates with God. God and I will walk in hand in hand on this Avent trail to create the next chapter of my life. I love you God.
Sooknam Choo
One response to “Doing Less and Being More”
That was beautiful Sooknam. Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you a blessed & restfull season.