Welcome the Next Chapter
February 1 2017
As we journey through life, there are many chapters that are opened and closed. Some of them are good and others not so good. If God graces us to live an extended life, we have more chapters to experience and share with others.
I have learned over the years to enjoy each chapter irrespective of what it may involve. It doesn’t matter if it is ideal or not, there are definitely things for me to find delightful. I might have to look carefully to find them, but they exist. I have also learned that people will come and go, but each person is put in your life for a reason. Your destiny and purpose cannot be realized without them.
Recently I saw one of my subordinates close out a chapter in his life. He and I have not only enjoyed a good boss/subordinate relationship, but I consider him a friend. We have worked very closely together for the past 20 years and I always thought that we would retire at the same time. When he decided to retire at the end of 2016, I set up dinners at each of the three sites that report to me so that he could say goodbye to key leadership members with whom he interacted. He was excited to attend the dinners and even brought along his wife as part of the celebrations. This closed a major chapter in his life.
As we ended the year and he transitioned into retirement, I have now closed a significant chapter in my own life. And that’s the way life is. We have people who come and go; situations and circumstances that are variable; careers that start and stop; family with births and deaths etc. These all give rise to the beginning and ending of chapters in our lives.
Here’s my advice to you, find enjoyment in each chapter of your life. Don’t dwell on the negative and don’t allow people to ruin your life. If your life is filled with God, each chapter will bring you some joy in spite of the circumstances you may face. As one chapter closes, you will welcome the new one because you know God has amazing things in store for you. Our future chapters look bright. Live each one on purpose.