Here I am, one month into retirement. I think it's time I gave a progress report, since we all judge each other on accomplishment.

Treasures in the snow? God reminds us there is more going on

than we comprehend or could possibly understand.

The first thing I did after leaving my job at the Advance Newspaper was send Christmas cards. That was January 22 through 29. Next fall I'll have to find some excuse for not sending them on time other than "I have a job."
Another notable accomplishment has been repairing the rips in the playroom couch upholstery. I think it's been about two years since I got the free couch and love seat, both with rips. I also sewed on a shirt button, off for several months. Returning the shirt to wearable condition enriched my wardrobe considerably.
I've done a lot, really. I reorganized the tea collection, went shopping at office supply, went out to eat several times, cancelled and rescheduled appointments during the snowstorm, kept a doctor's appointment for an echocardiogram, and spent some hours on the phone getting in touch with organizations that need my new e-mail and phone contacts. Success in that area has been limited, with some challenges still to come. 
I rolled over a 401K with the help of professionals, and kept the bird feeder full with help from my husband. I  baked pumpkin bread twice, ate a lot of pumpkin bread with the reorganized tea, got my desk almost cleared, and started blogging – really, this time it happened, thanks to my son. Not bad for a month, especially if you throw in Sunday activities and Toastmasters meetings. 
My friend Kim and I had a good discussion over a late breakfast at the Allendale Grand Coney restaurant about how we have struggled with the concepts of performance and accomplishment in our personal pursuit of godliness. We know our salvation is by grace alone, but we have trouble trusting God for daily leadership. Will he bring people to us who need our gifts, or must we go out into the highways and hedges and bring them in? And when is it safe to say, "I've done enough,"?
This is a good time of year to read Job 38 and be reminded that God does not need us, even though in His love He allows us to participate in his plans. Have you entered into the treasures of the snow (Job 38:22)? God is busy about His work in so many ways that we may observe, but cannot explain. Trust is the key.