June 24, 2013

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

One week from today, I will be starting a different phase in my life. I will be hitting the “pause” button on full-time ministry and doing a different form of ministry for a year.

This past winter, many things changed in our family. Rick and I have said for years that we have been blessed to have all four of our parents alive and relatively healthy. This changed in November, when the heath of my dad, my mom and my mother-in-law changed within a very short period of time. After my dad’s death, we had discussions with the Deaton side and the Vielhuber side about how to maintain the safety and health of our parents. Our parents would like to remain in their homes as long as possible and we want to assist with this and keep them safe.

After being in the nursing home for much of the winter, Rick’s mom is home. While Rick is there several days a week, my sister-in-laws have helped out tremendously and hired help has helped close the gaps, we have decided for me to spend more time in Rock Springs. I will have the opportunity to help my mother-in-law, assist and provide reprieve for my father-in-law and be more available. I hope to help with our grandchildren more, especially the three that live just down the road from my in-laws. Leaving my full-time job will also make me more available to help with my mom.

Rick and I feel that the season for me to step-back from full-time ministry is appropriate. Ministry for the next year will just be different. Along with caregiving, I hope to write more, maybe publish something, discover a hobby or two, get those long-awaited projects started and maybe even finished. I may actually see my husband most every day of the week, something Rick and I have rarely had during our nearly 13 years of marriage.

We have committed to doing this for a year. At this point, I have no idea what life will entail a year from now. I have made arrangements so I can re-enter pastoral ministry. In the meantime, Rick and I want to honor my calling and realize for this next season, my calling is just a bit different.

There are many different seasons of our lives. I feel like I have gone through several already in my live. This next season will be one of new opportunities to learn, grow, be challenged and explore my relationship with God and others in a different way. I am thankful that I have people around me who are supporting and understanding of this season change. For this, thanks be to

Almighty God – we watch the seasons of the year change annually. Sometimes, our lives are the same and we encounter different opportunities. When a potential season change arises in our lives, may we discover through your guidance, wisdom of discerning people and prayerful consideration what direction you desire for us to take. When we encounter a new season, may we be reminded that we never journey alone, for you are always with us. 

Blessings –

Dianne