This summer, I am retiring. Despite 10 years being relatively happy in my workplace, I am thrilled for this change. I am one of those people who usually doesn’t like their job. Pretty much all my life, I bounced around from hated jobs to loathed jobs, but they allowed me to stay home with my son when he was young and travel with my husband on missions. I treasured both opportunities, but I really had nothing to show that was my accomplishment. I was feeling lost and resentful. I had finished my bachelor's degree over 25 years of flirting with learning, but I still didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up and I was flailing.
Fortunately, I was invited to take spiritual formation classes and found that I lost my attitude, resentment, and judgement, and found direction, grace, and a long-lost calling. At 59, I went to seminary and found a renewed faith in Jesus. All of which begged the question, “Now what?” I decided if I am to be happy, I needed to take some even bigger risks.
The first was agreeing to live part-time in Mexico with my husband. We agreed on two months here in the US, and two months there. Our first two months in Mexico starts this September, and I took my first Spanish class recently (part of the risk…I don’t speak Spanish). This introvert is daring to venture into new environments and cultures, alone! My husband will be working a good part of the trip.
The second is seeking ordination. I have dreamed of this for many years, yet thought it was too late. Then my pastor encouraged me to pursue it and to stay active with my church in small-group training, mentoring, and preaching when we are in country. I have turned in my application and I am putting the finishing touches on my required paper before the mandatory interview by the ordination committee. My knees knock each time I think of it!
The third is staying busy since my husband is not retiring at all. Eden Spiritual Care has given me the opportunity to pursue Spiritual Direction, teaching classes, and facilitating book clubs, all online, so I can be in two different countries living a dream to serve God vocationally.
I tell you this because it is never too late to take risks and challenge yourself to grow and be joyful. At 65, I am excited and flushed every day thinking of the possibilities.
Are there dreams you wanted and never pursued? Are you hearing the Lord’s voice whisper to you? Fear not! Dare to dream. To follow. Dare to go!
Continue the conversation in the comments, below.
Fortunately, I was invited to take spiritual formation classes and found that I lost my attitude, resentment, and judgement, and found direction, grace, and a long-lost calling. At 59, I went to seminary and found a renewed faith in Jesus. All of which begged the question, “Now what?” I decided if I am to be happy, I needed to take some even bigger risks.
The first was agreeing to live part-time in Mexico with my husband. We agreed on two months here in the US, and two months there. Our first two months in Mexico starts this September, and I took my first Spanish class recently (part of the risk…I don’t speak Spanish). This introvert is daring to venture into new environments and cultures, alone! My husband will be working a good part of the trip.
The second is seeking ordination. I have dreamed of this for many years, yet thought it was too late. Then my pastor encouraged me to pursue it and to stay active with my church in small-group training, mentoring, and preaching when we are in country. I have turned in my application and I am putting the finishing touches on my required paper before the mandatory interview by the ordination committee. My knees knock each time I think of it!
The third is staying busy since my husband is not retiring at all. Eden Spiritual Care has given me the opportunity to pursue Spiritual Direction, teaching classes, and facilitating book clubs, all online, so I can be in two different countries living a dream to serve God vocationally.
I tell you this because it is never too late to take risks and challenge yourself to grow and be joyful. At 65, I am excited and flushed every day thinking of the possibilities.
Are there dreams you wanted and never pursued? Are you hearing the Lord’s voice whisper to you? Fear not! Dare to dream. To follow. Dare to go!
Continue the conversation in the comments, below.
Chelle MillerChelle Miller, MA, is a parenting educator at the University of Nevada Extension, though her first love is spiritual formation. She graduated in 2022 from Portland Seminary with a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. She is also a spiritual director and gained her certificate from the Renewing Life Center of Las Vegas. Her experience in small group development and building community has shaped her views on God’s love. Chelle and her husband of over 43 years, Dave, are based in Henderson, Nevada, and have one grown son. She loves travel, reading, and movies. Chelle is a member of the Eden Spiritual Care board, a spiritual director at Eden Spiritual Care, and an Eden Spiritual Care class instructor. |  |
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