It always intrigues me that momentous and remarkable happenings in a person’s life often originate from very pragmatic and simple ideas. My journey to creating Taking Grace Home started as a personal and down-to-earth quest to find what God wanted me to do after leaving the work force. 

Waking up that first morning and having nowhere to go, no reason for which to get dressed, I knew I was in trouble. Even after 40+ years of practically non-stop working, mostly in church or ministry-related organizations, I felt like I had more I wanted to share. It became my mission to discover how I was going to continue serving the Lord all the way to the gates of heaven.

My first thought had to do with WHERE I wanted to go. Most people vote for Paris or London, but forever I had dreamed of the Greece coastline and those beautiful white houses built on the hills and cliffs. And of course, I had thought about an endless supply of sunshine and baklava. One more viewing of Mama Mia and I believe I would have pulled the trigger on that dream!

However, I have to admit that the number one real item on my list in the pursuit of my homestretch mission or ministry was writing a book. Of course! Isn’t that what a lot of recent retirees decide to do? I even thought about how I could write a book while visiting Greece.

With a great granddaughter about to enter middle school, writing a middle grade novel with strong Christian values in it won out over Athens and the blue Mediterranean. Instead of packing suitcases, I researched how to write fiction. After creating 10 perfect chapter ones but unable to get further, I realized my days as a novelist were over.

By the time a cruise to Greece came up in our conversations again, Russ and I were working with the Homebound ministry at our church. I quickly discovered the stories of an outstanding group of believers who showed unusual courage and faith in spite of their own compromised health or mobility issues. Some were caregivers of loved ones with health or mobility issues.

Inspired by the examples of courage and grace of the Homebound class, my husband encouraged me to go back to writing a book. This time I would leave fiction to others and would begin the work on a non-fiction book based on the lessons we were learning through the Homebound class. Not only did Russ give me ideas for the book, but he also named the potential book, Taking Grace Home. The title seemed to embrace everything I hoped a book could cover:

• Reminders for fulfilling our life purpose all the way home to heaven, and developing a life-long attitude of gratitude.
• Encouragement to practice grace everywhere and with everyone, including those who need to know about Jesus and those who we call our own—our spouses, children, grands, and friends.

• Opportunities to tell other people’s grace stories to inspire other believers.

Russ was going to be my cohort in all of this, but little did we know that his homegoing was sooner than we expected. I am his witness that he finished his homestretch strong. Over two years later I’m still working on grief recovery and adjusting to my new life without my partner. However, the Lord is gracious in His healing and help. His leadership seems clear that the time for Taking Grace Home is now. I’m starting with the blog, but a book is coming!  

What a delight that the Lord brought you this way. Your being here is so appreciated! May your grace journey take you to people and places who need to hear YOUR story…maybe even to Greece!

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17 “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

YOUR TURN:

What travel plans or special adventures are on your retirement or homestretch bucket list? Why these choices? Please share your answers with us in the comment section. I’m so glad you came by for a visit!