The Partial Truth

My friends and former colleagues keep asking me how I am spending my time now that I’m retired, and I realized yesterday that I wasn’t being completely honest when I answered that question; instead, I was telling them partial truths. Yes, I’m editing my book and beginning a new one, fixing the house and gardening outside, blogging again and traveling a little -- productive, appropriate, creative activities. But these constructive projects are only part of how I’m spending my days. 

I’m also learning to be still. I’m learning to listen to the answers that are given instead of the correct answers that I’ve spent years expecting to hear in class. I’m learning to live more thoughtfully instead of thinking about all the tasks I have to do.

I’m learning to let God settle in and move around and touch everything around me instead of whispering to him a quick, “Good Morning, Lord,” and then slamming the door in his face while I’m on my way to get in my car and hurry away.

I’m learning the value of the mistake if I treat it as valuable and not become defensive. I’m learning that there is nothing quick about the work of the Word of God, only piercing, as it cuts down deep to the marrow where "it judges the thoughts and attitudes” in my heart.

And I’m learning to rest and feel good about it.

So I guess the answer to how I’ve been spending my time this past year is that I’m simply learning to be, not to do.

And if I get the being right, the doing will surely follow.

“Be still; and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”

(Psalm 46:10).

“For the word of God is alive and active.

Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,

joints and marrow;

it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”

(Hebrews 4:12 NIV).

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,

who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”

(John 1:14 NIV).