"What is next for you Ruth?” Is the question I hear now more times than not from friends, soon to be former co-workers and others who hear my story. My answer, “Actually I am not sure?" Many of you know that I am stepping into a new season, one which I never asked for but, in my heart, I am confident the Lord has allowed. I have always been someone who embraced change, and some would say I chase after. After 25+ years of serving in a pastoral role with people I love and job that I loved getting up for on most mornings, I find myself no longer in that role or in that place. This change was one I did not see coming and if I had I would have run for dear life in the opposite direction. But here I sit at 60yrs of age asking myself “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?” My role whether I like it or not had become my identity, something I vehemently preach against, but it is always easier to preach than practice, if you are not careful. I have spent the last eight weeks since this transition sitting every morning in silence with the One who knows me best and I have poured out my heart, with tears, tirades, and thankfulness. I know He has heard me and now it is time for me to listen. I know that is the next right thing to do. LISTEN. Psalm 27:14 has been a lifeline for me in this time of transition- “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” I know in the waiting there is refining, remastering, and refreshing. I do not know what is next for me, but I do know what I simply need to do right now! Do what I find right in front of me!
Waiting with expectation is one of the hardest things I have done. I am not a natural born "waiter" and when you add the word "patiently" to that formula, it gets even harder. Yet I know that is what this season is about for me. In the waiting comes more clarity if I learn to tune out the voice of doubt and tune into the voice of love and acceptance.Waiting is not a season of inaction but it is a season of growth. Growing in my trust, my hope and my confidence in who God has called me to be. A time to learn that my role is not my identity, my actions are not my worth, and my accomplishments do not define me.
If you find yourself not knowing what to do. Remember “SIMPLY DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO RIGHT NOW!” Make today matter.
PS one of the things that had been put on the shelf during this past season was writing. I am picking that up again and if you want to come along for the ride of what is next stay tuned.