Journey into Retirement

by Rose Fitzsimmons on November 9, 2026

I often try to think of myself as a pine needle tumbling along the surface of a rocky creek. This is

how I give up control. I ride the water from one rock to another, each one abruptly changing my

direction. I admit, it sounds chaotic, but it kept me from trying to steer.

Over the past year, I’ve begun to see that it’s not the rocks that change my direction, but the hand

of a wise and loving God. He steers me with gentleness and purpose, away from dangers and

hazards and in the direction that fits His plan for my life. Not so chaotic after all.

I had never noticed before that these changes in direction were not painful, but lately I’m very

aware. Instead, I’ve traveled over and around obstacles of all shapes and sizes, through many

narrow gaps where other pine needles became wedged and floundered. The Hand always guides

me up and over, and my journey continues.

For a pine needle, the phrase “come to rest” means the end of the road. I’m not ready to come to

rest. But I do need times of quiet strengthening, recuperation, and replenishing. I get this

between the moments of contact, in places where the rocks are smaller and the water slows its

pace. There I can bask in the sun, appreciate the way it reflects on the water, and soak in the

peace of God’s creation. Then I’m off again on the next adventure.

Lord, I don’t know where this creek is heading, but the pace is quickening and I can sense it is

widening, perhaps becoming a river up ahead. I need more of your sunshine, your son-shine,

more of your strength. Lord, make me ready and keep your hand on me. I do trust you.