Petals of Friendship

Blooming in the Gray by Re Kielar A few months ago, I made a huge decision. I decided to retire.   I use the word retired, loosely because I truly feel I have more of me to give in life.   The problem is, I just don’t know exactly what that is.   In January, after undergoing shoulder surgery, I was certain I’d be back to work and slide easily back into place.   Nope.   Not a chance.   The recovery time period was never really explained to me (maybe I wasn’t paying close attention), so I was propelled home after an unsuccessful return to my job.   I found the rest I needed at home, and after more time passed, I finally felt ready for a second attempt to return to work. I was all in.   Sort of.   Something in me was stirring and I wasn’t sure what it was.   I shared my thoughts I had with my husband and he matter-of-factly said a few words that seemed to set me free.   “Stay home,” he said.   I almost asked him to say it again, but I didn’t chance it.   Instead, I cried a str

I’ve never met anyone who acts like a child more than Naomi.   I know that sounds like a dig, but it really isn’t.   She is a child before her creator, God and just like a child, Naomi talks to God.   A lot.   It’s a side of her I’ve admired from the moment I met her.   She innocently and faithfully talks to God, just like a kid talks to their dad.   She is honest and real with HIM and it was during a challenging day that she began to pray openly with her child-like heart.   The conversation took place as she was driving in her car.    It was a dreary, overcast day, but now and then the sun would tease and peek through the gray sky. Naomi is in transition.   She is planning to move to Texas and wonders about the move.   Specifically, she wonders about God and asks questions.   Where was HE in this leg of her journey?   She had been seeking HIS reassurance, but she wasn't hearing that still small voice she was familiar with.   So, she decided to pray that day while in her car