NOVEMBER'S OPEN DOOR

NOVEMBER is a strange month.
This year we felt the summer breezes for the first few days.

Deep inside my soul I wished that summer would linger for several more weeks.

I knew better.
Suddenly . . . as if a door were opened on a stormy night, COLD popped into my realm.

Burrrrr!
It's time to head South.
I'm like a little bird who loves her nest but the nest must remain cozy-warm for me to remain.
At my age change is difficult but there are some changes that, for my body (and soul) I must make.
Hubby has been gracious as he loves the cold.
Yet, when we reach a warmer climate, he feels like a new man.

Changing weather is expected.
Changing through life-challenges becomes part of our aging process.
Changing jobs or finding myself 'retired' seems like the change of weather.
One minute I am working way too many hours per week and the next minute I linger longer over the morning newspaper.
I find more time to spend with hubby . . .  and he with me.
"Open doors wide", I say, "just don't let the COLD in." 

So, we choose to head South for a few months.
Change of scenery.
Change of pace.
Change.
Cold, blistering wind is exchanged for cool, soft breezes.
Not a bad change.
New doors open.
We are busier than ever.

Yet, windows of opportunity draw me into a rather pleasant schedule.
Up early.
Walk the beach.
Read WSJ.
Read devotions via my computer.

    This is new for me.
     I'm use to touching thin pages filled with columns of tiny print   as I read chapter and verse of biblical scripture.
    To have this same verse in a 'New English' translation is quite enjoyable.  Even the Psalms seem to chime a new melody.
The Gospel of the day comes alive and echoes the Old Testament scriptures.
NICE!
The doors are open to new opportunity but I choose to maintain balance.
I need quiet, alone time.
I also enjoy 'hubby' time.
Volunteering my services elsewhere is important but each window

of opportunity is weighed out in my soul so that time does not overtake me.
Easier said than done.

We schedule 'exploring days' so that 'stuff' does not get in the way of our little adventures.
We visit the gardens, another city, friends, enjoy a special conference where we meet new friends and drink in affirming insights.

We linger longer on the beach at sunset.

We enjoy simple meals, made in our little kitchen, filled with healthy ingredients.

The door may be open but, instead of cold wind, friends enter freely.
Doors, windows, insights, opportunities, and whatever blows our way is embraced with joy and gratitude knowing that any change in these later years is good for the soul.