A Life Changing Direction

It is no secret that I have been anticipating retirement over the past couple of years. This past December, the option for retiring from school nursing became a reality. Now, as much as I have looked forward to "the day," I still felt like I needed to do some serious praying about what exactly that would look like. I decided that it needed to mirror my summer vacations with one added feature...a lot more time in volunteer service to others. My summers are very balanced with time for being productive, playing and relaxing. As you know, this past summer I added in a week at a Blue Skies Retreat.

As I reflected and prayed about my next phase of life, I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time talking with various agencies that I feel a call to serve. Well wouldn't you know, the phone rang a couple of weeks ago and it was  Melinda from Blue Skies asking if I would be willing to serve as one of 4 directors at the October retreat. The position she needed to fill is the one that, of the four, is the one I would feel most skilled at filling.I gave it some prayerful consideration and answered her the next day witih a "yes."

This past weekend was the annual Director's Retreat. We all arrived Friday (Thanks for doing ALL the driving Allison Gruehn!) in time for a fabulous dinner fixed by some of the most hospitable ladies you will ever meet. After some introductions and a short meeting, we went to our rooms where our beds were turned down and some goodies awaited us.

Saturday morning was some training, some fellowship, an amazing breakfast and Communion. Then it was off to Cape San Blas for a chilly but delicious beach picnic of barbeque! From there we headed for some horseback riding. This was my second time ever on a horse...fortunately it was a slow easy walk along the beach. The purpose of this outing was to give us an idea of what these families will experience and to make sure that we know how to help if we are called on.

We got back to Port Saint Joe in time to watch one of my favorite Blue Skies attractions...sunset.

 

 

Sunday we spent time talking about conflict resolution and then spent time with our "like" directors. I will be the director of Guest Relations.

 

 

Only 2 directors from my retreat week were able to attend so I look forward to meeting the other two soon. ALL of the directors are amazing people, good people, solid Christians and ready to serve. What an honor to be a part of such a wonderful group. I feel equipped for the challenges that lay ahead and look forward to meeting our volunteers and families.

 

Is it a coincidence that a position needed to be filled for the October retreat and I just happen to be retiring (there's no way I could leave for a week if I was still working)? I don't believe so. How awesome that God had a plan before I did. He always does! Now if I would just learn to listen!