If you just had an earworm from that title, you are dating yourself! (As am I!) So much is changing in front of my eyes, that it’s been a whirlwind. As some of you know, I have officially retired from active ministry to move close to one of my daughters. I’ll be relocating somewhere in the Twin Cities area in late Spring of this year. Today I moved out of my office at church. It was good. It was hard. It was today’s task.

The road to retirement has been a journey and learning experience in itself. I know that God has guided me through all of the twists and turns. I have loved the places where I have served, and will miss the people and friendships a lot. But I know there is a new space to grow and learn and serve waiting for me. Be curious with me!

Not the least of my challenges is that I am currently getting ready to sell our home of 30 years… (Please spare me the comments of “wow that’s a lot of stuff!” I might hurt you.) Every room has a memory. It’s the right time to do this, but it sure isn’t easy! My daughters have been supportive and spent a long weekend sorting, hauling, and cleaning out. And my Minnesota connections (my local daughter and some long-time clergy friends) are encouraging. It will happen. As my dad used to say, T-L-O-K! (The Lord Only Knows.)

I have finished (finally!) sorting through piles and shelves of books. We had a lot of them! Some I have donated to the church library, and some I have ready to take to the used book dealer to claim $5 a box. My late husband and I raised two enthusiastic readers… They culled what they wanted and the rest goes onward. Wherever I go, I will want some of my books. If you are a reader, you understand!

The other challenge of sorting and packing are all of the papers. Geez. The papers! Medical records, tax records, things I thought I might need someday, programs and sermons… Some I can shred, and some will need scanning to cut down on what I must keep. And where I can, I’ll recycle. A lot of these tasks are time-consuming, and again my family and friends are willing to help. I’m grateful. I still need to get the yard cleaned up, and clearing out “stuff” that can either bless someone else, or will be going in a dumpster. One friend commented that she was shocked at how quickly they filled one, and I know I am no different!

I’ve started the search for a new home in Minneapolis/St. Paul, specifically for a condo that welcomes a retired pastor who crafts and reads, a cat, and a grand piano! The feline overlord has no clue what is happening, other than there are boxes here and there which were not pre-approved. Stewart will need a trip to “The Bad Place” (aka “the et-vay”) before we move, too. He will have opinions about that! The piano mover is almost selected. (It is a special industry, and has only a few to chose from, apparently.) It will all come together in good time.

My timeline to move is approximately late May/early June. Much depends on the final cleaning and painting in my present home, and then getting the house on the market in March. Once it sells, things will become more clear. (Anybody want to buy a house on a half-acre lot?) Until the dust settles, I will be in Maryland, getting my ducks in a row, and my life into boxes! And when I know where I am landing, I’ll let you know!

I recently heard a piece titled The Strength of the Lord by Larnelle Harris which spoke peace and truth to my heart. The chorus is below:
It’s not in trying, but in trusting.
It’s not in running, but in resting.
Not in wondering, but in praying
That we find the strength of the Lord

Peace be with you in any journey you may find yourself on today, as we go from strength to strength. TBTG.