ST. PATRICK’S DAY: THE LAST EVENT

With the Celtic music playing, we decorated the room for the last event that I would be doing. The Irish dancers, Celtic Steps, would be coming soon. The dessert bar I baked consisted of Irish creme truffles, key lime cake, Irish creme cupcakes, dipped mint Oreos, marshmallows, and pretzels. And of course, chocolate gold coins! The day would be filled with joy and laughter, Irish music, the sound of residents calling out “Bingo”, the taps of the Celtic dancers and enthusiastic clapping. Yes, it was the perfect event for me to end with, especially since I would be going to Ireland soon. In the midst of all the excitement, I found myself tearing up more than once. Of course I was also very tired but this was more than that. In the most unlikely of places, I found true JOY because this had not been a job but rather a calling. A few weeks ago a woman prayed over me about my heart. She smiled and told me this; “ You think you are leaving now because of your heart. But really it’s because you have finished your assignment”. Have you ever found yourself in the most “perfect job” and then had to leave it for a variety of reasons? At the time you may not know why but, after 65 years, I’m learning to say “ yes Lord” because He knows our hearts desires. I don’t know what lies ahead, anymore than all of you, but I am confident that God is not finished with me yet. How about you? Are you ready to go forward and see the many JOYS God has for you? Something tells me the next chapter of my life will be filled with lots of green…green grass I mean! Until then…may the luck of the Irish and the Joy of the Lord be upon you always!! Just two more weeks….retirement is looking soooo good.