What Next?

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” — Psalm 71:18, NIV

Recently I announced that I am retiring early from the best job I have ever had, serving as Church Office Administrator to a beloved congregation who have become family to me.  To some, the decision does not make sense — I am middle-age, healthy, at the top of my game, and well-paid.  I am good at what I do, and enjoy it most days.  So, why now?  What next?

Why now?  It’s a simple answer, really.  I want more time — more time with family, to take care of my home, and to nurture my body and soul.  I have worked in many positions over the past forty-plus years meeting the needs of others, and it is time now to take care of the people and projects that matter most to me.  Losing my mom and brother, being separated from my other siblings and family, and realizing that we are all getting older have heightened the sense of urgency to retire so I can have the freedom and flexibility to prioritize what is truly important.

What next?  That’s a question only God can answer.  There are a number of things I’d like to accomplish in retirement — write another inspirational book, become a better musician, spend more time with family and friends, and volunteer for causes near and dear to my heart.  More than anything, I want to continue growing in my relationship with God, to see where He leads, and to do what He would have me do.

Retirement will be an adventure — thrilling and challenging and fulfilling.  Having no idea what to expect, it will be a time of walking by faith in my God, who will supply what I need to serve and thrive from day to day.  My heart for ministry has not changed — God is simply moving me to minister to my family, friends, and neighbors while I still have the health to do so.





Copyright © by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Still I Wonder

As I settle into my sixties and a season of "early retirement," I find myself wondering how long this season will last or whether God will call me back into the work force one last time.  After resigning from my previous job earlier this year to take care of family matters and assist with a kitchen renovation project, I began spending many hours in prayer and studying scripture to try and ascertain what God's plans for my future might look like.  I still don't have a clue.  I only know that if I am called back into the work force I want it to be in a position that He has uniquely qualified me to fill.  For now, though, I am content to be on call for whatever might arise in the course of each day, whether that be transporting a friend to an appointment or taking care of more mundane tasks around the house.

The past few months have been delightful.  I am immensely grateful for a closer walk with God and the flexibility to travel, spend time with family, and just "be there" for my husband and kids.  Being a homemaker has always been my favorite job, and retirement is something I look forward to, when the stress of being ruled by clocks and calendars becomes a thing of the past.  

The prospect of returning to past jobs has no allure for me; I'm not the same person I was when I worked in those particular positions.  Still, I can't help but feel that I am supposed to be doing more.  I trust that in His perfect timing, God will issue His call in an unmistakable way.  Time is short.  More people need to hear the Good News of salvation and experience God's love.  It is my hope that somehow He will position me in a place where I can be of service to others and a vessel of His love and light to those struggling to find their way in this dark world.

Copyright © 2021 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com