The Winds of Change, Again…

 Last year this time was a bit chaotic in my household. I wrote about the winds of change as my oldest son prepared to graduate high school and we joyfully prepared for his move out of state. I’d accepted a promotion; my husband started a new job and we were excited about what the future would hold.

We never imagined exactly one year later our next graduation celebration for would be haunted by grief. My mother’s absence at this milestone is painful. I have no doubt she will see her grandchild graduate, yet I miss her just the same.

And, once again there is change in my employment status.

By the time you read this, I will be “officially” retired. I turned in my keys to the pharmacy with no regrets yet grateful for the opportunity to practice pharmacy for twenty-five years. I’ll miss my pharmacy phamily and my favorite customers, but it is time.

It is time for me to nurture the talents God blessed me with. It is time for me to step out in faith and stretch myself. Sometimes we pray for change but when it comes we stand bewildered and confused!

God often answers my prayers in the most unexpected ways, ways that are far higher than my understanding. Yet, I trust that God knows what is best for me and when I’m mature enough to actually receive the answers I’ve prayed for.

 The child I never imagined leaving home for college despite prayers too many to count is actually leaving home for college!

Full Sail ahead for him!

He has changed drastically this year alone, fought his way through the trials of autism and matured in ways we couldn’t foresee only a few years ago. It will be quite the change when August arrives and our nest is empty!

Perhaps, the only constant in life is change.

Some changes we bring on ourselves. Others blindside us without warning.

We can never fully anticipate the future but we can be assured Who holds it.

I haven’t always embraced change in my life but maybe now that I’m a bit older, I hope I’m wiser as well.

Whatever changes loom on your horizon, I pray you trust God to see you to and get you through them.

Even the best of times don’t last forever. Still, we can cherish the good, learn from the bad and hopefully our experiences leave us changed for the better.

Whatever my journey, I hope to stay the course until His winds change it once more…

The wind blows to the south
and turns to the north;
round and round it goes,
ever returning on its course. Ecclesiastes 5:6 NIV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

21 comments

  1. So many feelings captured in this post Lilka. No doubt you will miss so many work colleagues and customers, but so amazing you will be able to more fully pursue some of your passions.

    So well done with the achievements of your son. You must be very proud.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  2. Congratulations on your retirement, Lilka. I know a rocking chair on the front porch is not your retirement plan 🙂 I’m looking forward to see what you do in retirement.
    These all sound like good and exciting changes for you and your family. I’m happy for you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you!
      I’ve retired from pharmacy but will work in some capacity as long as I’m able. I’ve my share of projects to work on including writing more so we will see. I’m trying to be open to our Father’s plans and not focus on my own agenda. Prayers appreciated!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. Congratulations LS on your retirement and your son’s graduation! I know that you are dealing with so much right now, but it is amazing how grief helps us narrow things down to what’s really important!
    I am excited about your journey, and I know how proud your mom would be of you. I am a proud follower of your inspirational writing.💞💚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much!! Losing her definitely put a few things in perspective. Thanks so much for the encouraging words. I hope to write MUCH more in the near future. Peace and love to you!

      Like

      Reply

  4. Wow!! So many changes…I understand. It is funny how we have both had challenging times at the same time this year and last. Walk with Grace, my friend. And I just know that you will follow your soul in your retirement. Bless you ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  5. Congrats on your retirement Lilka, and I pray for many blessings to rain down on your children as they change and grow into great and powerful leaders. I also pray many blessings upon your life as you enter this new empty nest season in your life. I look forward to seeing what our great God has for you next.

    BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS MY SISTER!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. May all His blessings be fruitful for you, for your husband and for both your sons, dear Lilka.

    “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

    It’s true we may never know what comes, yet as we follow in the ease of His updraft, we are comforted in the knowledge of how much He loves us. ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  7. Congratulations! I know you are going to enjoy retirement because you will get to choose the road you want to take into the future. I am so happy for you. Let’s have lunch sometimes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. You are blessed! We have followed your journey these few years and praise the Lord for where He has brought. We continue to pray His leading for your next age and stage. Every one is more beautiful and wonderful, though sometimes more difficult that what we have been through. The Lord continue to bless you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.