“Be still and know that I am God”. Psalm 46:10. I had a fall on August 30th, five years to the date, after I retired from the federal government. I broke my collar bone, and these words came to mind. The upside is this occurred during a week where I traveled to two countries I’d never been. I saw people and customs and learned things that I didn’t know. Every day was beautiful, clear blue skies and clear blue waters. I walked where ancient biblical men and women walked.
A Time to Remember
Solomon eloquently speaks in Ecclesiastes 3 about a time of examination. Examination or reflection?
Five Years Later, I am living a dream that I never dreamed. Reflecting can seem like looking back but oftentimes this is different. The English language and correct grammar usage is quite different for people my age. I liked the saying Life Happens. Today, young people use a new phrase “Life be lifing”. ‘Lifing’ is a made-up construct to sound as if a person is performing a task. But if it truly captures the essence of living authentically, I might fall in line because I truly am living my best life. A part of me wants to believe the world would be a better place if more people would live authentically.
This is personal but also hopefully words of encouragement for some to figure out where they are going or to reflect on other areas of their life.
The lyrics “To Dream the Impossible Dream”; was sung by several artists but my favorite singer for this was Luther Vandross. I have gone further than I thought I would. Too often our dreams are too small. Sometimes we need to be specific. Don’t just say I plan to travel. Plan those trips. Hopefully, you have some money saved and some desire of where you want to go. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, to achieve a more fulfilling life. That is one of the biggest lessons from the Pandemic. Today, younger people are dying for all sort of reasons.
This year’s highpoints started with me understanding the meaning of a long life, as I planned and celebrated my husband’s birthday, with family and friends. Preparing to go on a cruise with my daughter took me to new destinations and experiences. Finally, I started putting into motion, a visit with other family members on another continent, with my husband and son. It is great to have choices!
No matter how dark or scary the world looks, it is probably brighter to those who will read this. There are big things that most of us know about. But are you affected by it? What matters to me may not matter to you. It takes great effort to be consistently content, no matter the circumstances, despite sadness, pain, numbness, disbelief. Is it perfection? Excellence? What do you do, when you are normally busy? You have more time to think but restraint is cautioned. This is when anxiety and doubts start to intrude for some people, if they do not have a different mindset. Resist focusing on what you cannot don or going down that FOMU refrain. Resilience is staying power.
Realize what brings you joy. It is a spiritual journey of purpose perhaps repurposing.
Significance of the 5th year? Numbers have special meaning in the Bible. I know I received divine grace, God’s unmerited favor and kindness. I have also been the recipient of God’s grace and empowerment which brings human completeness. It started with the redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice and acceptance of God’s covenant relationship with His people. Wisdom is gained when knowledge meets experience. Living wisely and well with God; always renewing, refocusing, and resetting is a must.
September 26, 2025
Cecelia Benford, Published Author: Five Generations, One Nation, Under God
Leadership Coaching Mentoring Connections 