Share

I retired only days ago, and this is what I intend to do in this new season of life.

Retrench

In 1869 President Brigham Young organized the Young Ladies’ Department of the Cooperative Retrenchment Association. His desire was to have his daughters serve in the forefront of an effort to cut back on worldly influences and extravagance in their lives.

Retirement seems an ideal opportunity to examine how I too might be in the world without being so much of it. I look forward to discovering all the ways I can have less of the world in my home and in my mind.

Refresh

Now is my chance to refresh relationships that have languished with school friends, extended family members, neighbors, and business associates from days of yore.   I have so many relationships with people still dear to me whom I haven’t seen or called or emailed for far too long.

Renew

This is a time for me to renew my mind, body, and heart. I have extended time to engage in many practices that lead me relentlessly closer to the Savior. I can improve my physical self, learn gospel doctrines more deeply, and use renewed physical and spiritual energy in many different types of service-all these renew.

Redo

I can redo dreary habits and faulty expectations. What could be more interesting than to seek for and practice new things in new ways. My goal is to do, taste, learn and/or see something new each week. That goal includes ridding my mind and heart of useless and hindering ways of thinking and acting. I relish the challenge of reshaping chunks of my life.

Restore

In Mark we read this significant verse about the Savior’s ministry: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).

In the Doctrine and Covenants, we read “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God” (D&C 101:16).

These scriptures seem especially salient to me at this time in my life. It is easy, even natural, to dash into waves of activity. I have decided, however, that wisdom right now is to pause, to truly be still in profound ways that allow the inspiration I seek to distill upon me so I make the best choices of how to use my time, energy, talents, and experience.

The Savior could still the seas so thoroughly that a great calm resulted. I know He can bring calm and comfort in our lives as we seek Him and stop to listen and ponder and pray and think about He would have us do while we retrench, refresh, renew, redo, and restore.

To purchase Carol Clark’s novel, Wild Nest,’ click here.

 

Share