December 30, 2023

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

I retired last February. It wasn’t dissatisfaction in my career because I truly loved my work along with the money I was finally earning after years of climbing the proverbial corporate ladder. I thought I was going to work for at least a couple more years. God had other plans and has always moved in my heart -to pray, to stop watching television or give up a vice or an attachment. To be aware of when the self-will is moving instead of His Will. Out of nowhere, I lost the desire to continue in the work I was doing as I approached turning 65. So, 25 years in higher education came to an end and I set my heart on spending more time in quiet contemplative prayer to hear the voice of the Father. I can’t tell you after years of juggling prayer, ministry, education, work, family and friend life, it was wonderful to take that one main time sucker off my list.

With that said, this has been quite a year of change. But I think we can all agree that these past few years have changed our world and our focus.

For nearly two years my husband and I had been caring for my mother-in-law. She passed away suddenly on October 5, in our home at 94 years old. As caregivers we were dealing with Gigi’s loss as matriarch of the family (at every event), relief as caregivers, emptiness and all those conflicting feelings. This was part of the reason I needed to regroup before another blog entry.

Shortly after her funeral when everything calmed down, my husband saw some good deals on flights and booked a trip to Key Largo where we rented a small cabin with a small 22’ tiller sailboat on the bay side. Shortly after we booked, we received texts from two of my daughters saying they were “crashing” our vacation with their families. Years of trying to get the kids to come on vacation -but they were too busy….my heart was overjoyed. Thank you, God. The gift of time and making memories has always been important to me.

The first day in Key Largo, we arrived alongside an unpredicted tropical storm -tornados and all. We were very concerned sitting just offshore in a small cabin with branches and coconuts hitting the roof. I couldn’t sleep so I prayed for safety. The next morning, we came out to boats that were de-masted and debris everywhere. But it was sunny, warm and the area was back to normal within 24 hours.

My husband and I were able to go sailing three of those days…. which the number three in the bible represents Divine wholeness, completion and perfection.  One of those days, we had planned to head out and swing around some of the islands that were off in the distance. It was early morning and we had beautiful gentle winds, so we leisurely tacked further out enjoying the sun, and the sound of nothing but water and our quiet conversation. Did you ever notice how relaxed you become being near the sound of water?

When we first left the dock, in my conversation with God, I briefly mentioned how lovely it would be to see a dolphin or two. I’m always watching for beautiful creatures in the oceans. Then I was busy handling sails and wasn’t thinking about that request. We got out quite a way and were getting closer to the islands. It was an incredibly beautiful sail. All of a sudden, the wind died. Nothing. We were sitting there thinking to ourselves that we may have to motor back. I heard this unfamiliar sound coming from behind our boat. When I looked to see what it was, there were dolphins jumping out of the water. With so much joy in my heart, I pointed for my husband to see. This gets better. There was a whole pod of dolphins, about 20 or so, in groups of 3-4 jumping out of the water and all around our boat for about 45 minutes. It was incredible. God is so good. Then, the wind gently picked up and we were able to continue our sail.

This memory brings tears to my eyes every time I tell it…because it was truly a gift. God spoke to my heart. He didn’t give me one or two dolphins…He gave me an abundance. Ask and you shall receive. Thank you, Father, for all your gifts of creation. May your Kingdom Come on Earth as it is in Heaven through each yes to Your Will.

As this new year rolls forward, may we all seek together to hear more clearly in our hearts what the Father’s Will for our life is and that He would guide us to His abundance for our life.

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.