But, a physical relocation or reworking of our current house is only part of what I am feeling is required. What follows are some additional steps that have come to mind.
A critical decision Betty and I have discussed will be how we begin to live a life truer to our faith. I have written before about the importance of religious faith to us. We have come to the conclusion that we are not committing enough of our time, energies, and resources to this part of our lives. A more active involvement in trying to help the hurting people in our society is required of us.
It has been too easy for us to ignore the horrors of the homeless, the abused, the abandoned, and those seeking a way out of their misery. Safe and sanitized faith kept inside a box that is only opened once or twice a week isn't what we believe we are supposed to be doing.
I left prison ministry a few years ago for some reasons that remain valid. But, I feel a need to reengage with something that takes my faith from the safe environment of my middle class lifestyle and puts it to work. No, we aren't contemplating becoming full time missionaries. But, something is being demanded of us in this area that we have yet to figure out but are actively looking at options.
To kick start my creative side, I am going to try something very different (and scary) for me: find a ceramics studio that offers classes for beginners or take a shot at painting with watercolors. Also, I started Tai Chi classes a few weeks ago. They should help my balance, flexibility and an overall sense of well-being.
I have plans for a third book, but for the moment I am putting that the shelf. I know I can turn out another retirement book but is that challenging enough for me at this time? Does it take me new places? At least for now, the answer is no.
There remain many more questions than answers. There is still much more for me to figure out. But, that dead end feeling I wrote about a few weeks ago is changing and I am feeling a renewed sense of energy.
Yes, rediscovering your purpose does give you a renewed sense of energy doesn't it. Giving back, or paying forward is fulfilling indeed. Due to some health issues I have had to cut back some on my soup kitchen work but I simply can't stop doing it entirely. It is part of who I am. Have you looked at that venue for your volunteer efforts? That is something you and Betty can both be involved in and I can't imagine any soup kitchen not needing more volunteers.
ReplyDeleteCeramics is one of the things I also seriously considered. My goal was to make a model of our little town in the 1920s in ceramic. I spent about a year researching it when I first retired but then dropped the activity. Maybe now it is time for a phoenix event.
Keep up your actions in this area or as you say keep moving. Don't let the daily humdrum of life distract you....
I am using your vows from a post on your blog as another motivator for this new year.
DeleteThere is a studio not too far from my home that offers a Friday night intro to ceramics. I will use that as a way to judge my interest and (latent) ability!
Bob, I have probably mentioned this to you before, but "Campers on Mission" might be for you and Betty. I think the closest chapter's to you are in Washington and possibly Texas. You can read about them here http://campersonmission.net/.
ReplyDeleteI have looked into them, Suzanne. There are several other similar organizations that provide an opportunity to give back and put one's faith to work. Betty and I have also given some thought to RV trips to places in our country that are struggling and handing out food baskets and doing short term volunteer work in the town. That idea has never gone past the discussion phase, but maybe needs to.
DeleteYour energy certainly is on the "move" -- and your new activities show it. Ken and I have become Meals on Wheels volunteers here in Pine.Since it is just two small towns, the driving is pretty easy, and we visit and deliver meals to around 10 folks who are in need, who can't get out, or who prefer to have their meal brought to them rather than come to our town senior center which also serves lunch daily.
ReplyDeleteSome days I think we are the only human contact some of them have.S They all love hugs.Human touch is so important to our well being. Some of them do have family nearby who visit and help out. Some do not. Ken and I are the ones on the greatest receiving end..I love to sit a bit with each person and hear their stories, where they've been, their travels, their grandkid stories, see their stamp collections and their photos,etc. We only do this one morning a week, and I, too,feel we can and will do more to help whoever needs it in our community.I am on the lookout for another opportunity. Sounds like you and Betty will be having a very interesting and invigorating 2015. The JOURNEY is half the fun,right!! ? What's your next RV trip??
We were Meals on Wheels volunteers several years ago and found the same thing you and Ken have: we were often the only contact these folks had all week. It is something we have discussed making part of our volunteer involvement again. Thanks, Madeline.
DeleteThis spring we have only one trip: to Show Low in April. We will be passing through Payson and hope the four of us can finally meet!
Then, this summer we will be heading back to Portland and will be out of the heat for July into early September.
Your post reminded me of a website. It doesn't focus just on careers, but "callings." Under the Articles & Resources link there is a lot of material.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.christiancareercenter.com/advice-and-resources/career-and-calling-articles/partnering-with-god-to-make-career-decisions
Excellent site, B.E. I just clicked over and have bookmarked it for some serious study. Thanks.
DeleteI'm guessing with your energy moving forward you will settle into what means the most to you. Exploring options is exciting. Keep us posted!
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Sometimes i feel as though there are too many choices! Oh well, just back from the gym and going to Tai Chi tonight..staying busy in a positive way.
DeleteSo glad you hear you are on the "move." I'm sure your writing motivates a lot of us. I know it motivates me. Your initial post a few weeks ago about your decision to start moving, helped me decide this is my year of "change." Thought I'd use this opportunity to let you know that I followed up on becoming a bereavement counselor. My training starts next week. And, I'm having my house repainted in colors that are also out of my comfort zone. This might not seem like a big deal to some but it's a big change for me. So, thanks again for sharing your progress with us. Nina
ReplyDeleteWell, congrats are in order for your plan to become a bereavement counselor and giving your neighbors a new color scheme to enjoy!
DeleteChange is a powerful word. You will do well.
Hey Bob, I just re-discovered your blog. I stopped reading it for a few years since retirement was so far away for us. Now that we are getting closer I am back to read and re-connect!
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