Beth Waltman, Retired Teacher and Pastor’s Wife

In 2019, Sam and I celebrated our 40th anniversary. We decided to take a short getaway weekend  to Galveston, TX.  At ages 60 and 62, we were beginning to dream of retirement. Sam planned to work quite awhile yet, but as a teacher, I was just about done.

In any case, we wouldn’t make any sudden moves ( we thought!) but would begin to ponder possible locations. We definitely wanted to stay in Texas. All our kids and their families are here. Maybe a small town would be nice. Somewhere between Austin and Houston, but in the country. When we rolled over the causeway into Galveston, we both thought we heard God speak! This was it! 

And yet, as our little weekend unfolded, we walked all over town. We fell in love with it. We reminisced about the road that brought us thus far. We have been through many phases and stages in our married life. We began with the seminary years, having kids, serving in small churches in Pennsylvania and Texas, and living in rentals. Sam transitioned to working for an association of churches in a leadership role. Our kids graduated college, each married, and presented us with grandchildren. We had finally bought a home, and now saw retirement coming not too far down the road. 

Throughout our married life, we have wrestled with big and small decisions. We learned how to pray things through. We learned how to disagree without dishonoring each other. So I had vetoed a couple of Sam’s proposed locations already. Respectfully, I promise! We called each of our kids and asked what they thought about Galveston for our future.  Would they visit us in this beachside home? They responded with enthusiasm! 

When we make decisions, we pray, but look for green lights. We consult family first, then trusted friends. We listen to the still, small voice of God, but test it out to make sure it’s not our own wishful thinking. Our intention had been to check out properties for a couple of years, and then buy eventually. 

At any rate, the process accelerated quickly. A property became available with a sudden price drop. One daughter bought our house, and we were able to make the purchase, although we were not really close to retiring. We didn’t know at that time (fall of  2019) that COVID was around the corner. And yet, nothing was easy! There were many obstacles, including flood insurance and needed repairs. But the path was clear. 

In retrospect, we see God’s hand in all of it. Had we waited a couple of years, this house would have cost much more than we could afford. I retired early due to the pandemic and my own health issues. Sam continues to work. We room at our daughter’s house for much of the week, then rotate to our future home for his days off.  I don’t call this our forever home. But we have already made many family holiday memories here. We’ve hosted a lot of friends and shared some of our peaceful days with them. If God should beckon us down a new path, we will pack our things and go off on a new adventure. 

Life advice to my younger self…

1. Recognize stress. Notice how it affects your emotions, body, and decision-making. 
2. Realize stress comes from commonplace events, some of them happy things. Weddings, a baby’s birth, buying a house, establishing your career. 
3. If you can, help others to deal with big life events. Cultivate a circle who helps you— with advice, prayer, wise counsel, friendship. Talk and laughter go a long way in dissipating stress. Those friends who help you move your stuff, babysit, or give job recommendations are priceless. We all need Martha and Mary is our corner. 
4. Recognize danger. If your stress is life-threatening, get yourself or loved ones to safety, then figure out next steps. There is no time to spiritualize or Google if a hurricane is barreling down on you. Don’t be afraid to get counseling. 
5. If you are in Kingdom work, your stress will be heightened. The devil will come after your peace, purity, family, and health. (See Job!) Apply spiritual warfare and circle the wagons. Get your intercessor friends to pray. 
6. Forgive yourself when you mess up. You will. Ask God’s forgiveness, but don’t relive the humiliation because you expected to be an overachiever. God knows exactly who you are, He chose you, and He is making you into the person you will be.