Rising High Above

Coming out of a high-stress medical management career of thirty years, I found the first five months of adjusting to retirement were not easy.

Dropping off into the abyss of ease was not something to which I was accustomed. Mentally and physically, changes were happening, and it felt very uncomfortable.

My mind craved the amount of information I processed day in and day out.

Wow, I never expected this—but I found out this is a real thing with many who retire and experience sudden changes to their routines.

Much prayer ensued. I felt frustrated with the adjustment process and grieved, yes grieved, the changes. Then one evening late in June, I gave it all to God.

All of it, no holding back. We had a heart-to-heart conversation.

And it was good. I fell asleep peacefully.

My appetite returned the next morning, and I was able to eat with anticipation instead of merely putting food into my body just to sustain myself.

I found peace that lightened my load.

I turned my time, artistic goals, health endeavors, and medical missionary education over to Him. Him! The One who says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV). I determined to look forward now only to the gift of retirement I had been given, for it had surely taken place in God’s time, plan, manner, and urgency.

I stopped carrying the baggage that held memories of my previous career, all the responsibility, status, and organizational skills that had kept the office running smoothly, along with all the help I had been able to give to those under my charge, the privilege of praying for them with their personal or work problems. It really had been a lifelong ministry in a sense.

And now it was gone. But had not God caused this retirement to happen? The following day, my morning devotional read something like this: Rest with God.

Your journey has been steep and rugged; the way ahead may be uncertain, but do not look behind or ahead, but only to Me. Wow! OK, Lord, I am with You! Each day is now better. Mind and body are being renewed. Creativity is flourishing, and spiritual and health matters are my new “business.” My new schedule is His, and I rejoice in the joy of the Lord!

Victoria M. Shewbrooks