LIFE CHANGES

That title can be interpreted in different ways:

• It can be descriptive of the changes that can (and do) take place throughout our lives.
• It can also be a statement of action:  life is not static - it changes.

I probably mean it in both ways.

Annually at this season, I write a blog expressing the things that I am thankful for.  This year will be no exception.  But things are different.

I've been retired for a year-and-a-half.  For the first year, I kept very busy working around our new home, putting in a yard, doing landscaping, finishing our two-car-garage, and just generally knocking things off the honey-do-list.  We had to make adjustments financially, but my schedule opened up in new ways that gave me tons of freedom and quantum time alone.  Once, and often twice-a-week, Debbie leaves for twenty-four hours to sit with her aging mother [she and her siblings share this responsibility].  

To say that our lives have changed is a gross understatement.  

This past spring I realized a long-held dream and spent six weeks on the Appalachian Trail.  Whether or not I resume my hike remains to be seen.  But, upon my arrival home, life slowed down.  Much of the work around our home has been completed.  I have begun to struggle to find ways to occupy myself in recent months. 

But don't misread me;  I'm still a very grateful and contented man: 

• I'm forever grateful to God for His patience, provision and kindness!
• I'm thankful for my life's companion and her faithfulness in loving me and sharing the journey.
• I love my kids and take joy in their visits, gifts and texts.  Watching them flesh out their lives is a treat that Debbie and I rejoice in.
• I have two precious grandchildren that bring untold delights!  What a joy!
• These days I'm grateful to the Social Security Administration.  They make a deposit to my bank account every month!
• I'm also grateful to the Free Methodist Church for having a pension plan and executing it so well.  They also make a deposit to my bank account monthly!  
• I love our home:  warm, lovely, comfortable, nice neighbors, great view...
• I have three vehicles - all paid for!  :-)  I now can occasionally be seen driving a Ford F-250 around!  Woo Hoo!  I'm running with the 'big boys' now!  
• At Debbie's instigation, we bought a used fifth-wheel camper this year.  We hope to take it south for some winter months in the future!  
• I have lots of friends - I can prove it, just look at my Facebook page!  😀  But sincerely, we have friends from far-and-wide that we have shared precious times with.  When we have the opportunity to get together (or talk) it's as though no time has passed at all.  I still have occasional contact with my former students and friends from China!  My blog is read regularly in ten different countries!  Our friends have formed us and we're truly grateful!  
• There is finally time to write.  I enjoy blogging and Facebooking, have written a short novel, started a sequel and am documenting my life history for my family.
• As odd as it seems to write, we have Gabe.  He started out to be Deb's puppy, but gradually she showed him less attention and I've shown him more.  Today, he's almost my constant companion!  
• Debbie and I enjoy extended family connections that add value to our lives.  My relationships with my siblings have never been real close - probably because of the age difference.  All through the years, most of my contacts with them have been initiated by me.  But the Whippo family has been part of our foundation!  They're a fun bunch and we know they'd be there for us if we ever had a need - they've proven that in the past!  
• Sixty-six years have accumulated - soon, sixty-seven!  I'm still healthy, strong, and able to enjoy life!  
• Reading is still a joy to me (although double-vision sometimes limits the length of my reading).  I enjoy novels more than ever before. but still read in other areas as well.  Books have always been a tool God uses to sharpen, awaken and grow me!  

I could go on - you know that.  I'm a prosperous man!  

Each stage of life is different.  Life changes.  We have to adapt.  It keeps things interesting.  I'm stretching to discover the ways I can be productive and effective in this new stage of my life.  

Right now, I've very excited that our kids will be home next week to spend four or five days with us! That doesn't happen too often, so you can imagine our anticipation!  Special foods are being planned, gifts are being bought and wrapped, the quads and golf cart are tuned up,  the house is being cleaned and the red carpet is ready to be rolled out!  Our deepest joy will be a reality as our family comes under one roof for a few days!   

So, from our house to your life - may God's peace and joy be so real to you as we close out another year that you too will automatically express your gratitude for all He has done in and through your life!  Blessings...