Earlier this year, it became clear that God was moving me in a new direction.

I’ve been tremendously blessed to serve in statewide homeschool leadership since 2004 when James and I were invited to be part of the AFHE Board of Directors. I’ve learned so much over the years, stretching and growing, learning new skills, and enjoying the many opportunities James and I have had to use our time, energy, ability, and resources to support this good work. And we’ve made some treasured friendships along the way, too.

What a joy it is to encourage and equip parents in their own homeschool journey! Homeschooling our daughters from preschool through high school was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. And it’s an incredible blessing to be able to help others as they teach their children at home—to share things I’ve learned along the way, to connect them with helpful resources, and to cheer them on.

Retired from AFHE after 16 years

In early April, I resigned my position as executive director of AFHE with the intention of staying on through July to see them through this year’s homeschool convention. In May, we learned that hosting the convention would be impossible due to obstacles and restrictions with the coronavirus situation. The board made the difficult decision to cancel, and I shortened the timeline for my retirement from the organization with my last day on May 29.

After working 50+ hours a week for many years doing work I loved, I wasn’t sure what the adjustment to this new season would be like. Would I feel isolated and lonely? Would I miss all the action or being needed? What would it be like to no longer have 17 email inboxes, handling hundreds of emails a week, answering 2 phone lines that rang to my cell phone, being on call 365 days a year? Would I miss having a home office that served as a hub for the organization and all of its supplies? Would I feel lost? Did I do my best? Would I be missed? These questions and more floated through my mind in the weeks leading up to my last day.

Stepping into this new season

I’m happy to report that one month into this new season and I’m soaking up the opportunity to just BE. I’ve discovered that I actually love the quiet and slower pace. Who knew? I still get up and dressed every morning, put my make-up on, fix my hair, and make my bed. (I’m still me, after all ha!) At my leisure, I’ve been working on my new website, taking a few online courses just because I can, reading, cooking, and enjoying guilt-free naps, too! I’m also making great progress organizing the closets, cupboards, drawers, and rooms in our home—a project that has been incredibly therapeutic.

I thought I would miss the excitement and busyness and activity. Surprisingly, I find it very liberating not having urgent things pushing me along every day. There’s no impossible list of tasks to accomplish or overflowing inboxes. I have found great satisfaction in knowing I served faithfully, worked hard, and finished well.

A fresh start

The coolest part is that I get a fresh start—and it feels amazing! There’s space to think, to rest, to be, to explore, to discover, and to create. I never would have imagined a new season with so much possibility, but I’m thrilled to step into it with an open heart and open hands and see where God leads!