Feedback from Subscribers of The Gap Year
Reflection #25 Feeling Old:
Thanks for sharing. I feel the same way. Some days I'm full of energy and feel good; however the next day I feel my age. My great-grandchildren get a kick out it. They still think I'm young. Got to love them. -J
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I continue to do spiritual direction for a number of people. I am learning how to slow down. Reading:“Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by Comer.-P
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Reflecton on MARRIAGE
I agree with your statement about commitment. I think that today, the marriage commitment has been somewhat trivialized. Although you seem to minimize the communication aspects of your marriage, reading all the other comments you wrote leads me to believe that communication was a major factor. You can’t get to the point you and Dale have reached without understanding and respecting your partner’s views. Not all married couples get to that point.
When someone asks me for marriage advice there are two things I tell them:
1. You’re making a commitment; keep it.
2. Don’t expect to change the other person, but be prepared to make some changes in yourself. Thanks again. —R
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Trish, I found this so moving! Isn't it interesting how relationships change and bend as we grow older together. Congratulations on 40 years of marriage! D. and I aren't far behind - will reach 37 in May. For us, too, it has been a journey... Blessings to both of you!
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I never felt like I had a gap year. When I was laid off in late 2017, I still had two years of car payments left. I was robbing Peter to pay Paul from there on out. Still am. Doubt you’ll hear from too many people in similar circumstances, unless they were able to get back into another position relatively quickly. Because there’s no “success story” in it…
I had to retire fairly quickly… A year later, the same company invited me to work full-time again. By that point, I did not feel I had the energy for a full-time position. They were not interested in me working part-time…
It’s tough out there for some of us. Otherwise, I always enjoy reading, watching movies (usually at home on DVD’s), short bursts of less expensive travel… -F
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Thank you for the wisdom and your Thought-provoking narrative! -N
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Trish,… I’m always looking back, reviewing my life, and sometimes, questioning my decisions and actions. What I try to remember is that I had to go through ALL the experiences, to become the person that I am now. And I really like that person. You have been a guide and healer to so many in your life. As they say, a life unexamined isn’t a life worth living. Kudos to you for all you have done in this lifetime. Peace -J
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Knowing somewhat of your background, Trish, don't you feel like you have been through multiple lives? And each time you pulled yourself up, dusted yourself off, and reinvented yourself? You are a beautiful, wise entity for others to model. You laugh with others, enjoy other’s company, and add value to their lives. That to me is who you are, a role model.-- C
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I may have felt this before, but now I’m enjoying reinventing (with the Spirit’s help) myself. I’m having a good time trying new things and enjoying my family more, and I don’t mind being called ‘old.’ My brother told me how his daughters treat him now that he is older. I told him I don’t mind because they pay more attention to me now than before. I love that and it doesn’t mess with all the other things I am experiencing and enjoying, some of them are going with me! Thanks for sharing, Trish! -J
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After my retirement and we moved to TX and three years later moved back to PA due to great grandchildren. We lived in the mountains and after Covid I was going a little crazy with nothing to do. Our church did have the equipment to broadcast services we watched some colleagues services. I had a sew room full of material so I began to make throw quilts (over 70) and then I began to give them to veterans. The joy on their faces was worth the work. I had found a new ministry after retirement. I'm 78 and still making throw quilts to be given away and occasionally I make memory quilts. I still fill in preaching several times a year. but no longer have all the paperwork, anxiety and stress. God certainly has been good to me. -J