by Liz Kerwin

As September approaches I am keenly aware that I will not be returning to Loyola after 35 years of the most blessed and rewarding ministry anyone could hope for.  I am filled with gratitude for all of you whose lives I was privileged to share and encourage over the years.  Thank you.  I am deeply grateful for all of you who have been part of the Loyola Staff community, all who have served as advisors during my 18 years as director of the center, all who have been board members, the many of you who have supported us in so many ways financially, in prayer and by referring folks to our services.  Thank you.  You are all in my grateful heart and in my prayer.

There is much to share beyond blog limits but here are a few things I have learned that I leave with you to ponder.

  • Our God, by whatever name one uses, is far beyond our limited understanding or imagination and relates to each person in ways each can understand and to which each can relate and respond.
  • Slowing down is not bad, in fact it is very good in helping one to be present, to notice and be grateful for every aspect of today. Today is all we really have and I, for one, don’t want to miss it.

I once heard a definition of retirement as getting a new set of tires and setting off in a new direction.  I do not know what direction I will be taken but I am trying to listen to my advice to others to take time to let it unfold and be revealed and not fill in the time with too much in the beginning.

Once again thank you or as Dag Hammarskjold once said “For all that has been thanks, for all that will be yes.”  Let us pray for each other as we all move on in our lives.

I wish you peace, blessings, joy and love.

Liz