More from Melanie Sue Fretz

So much has changed since we adopted sweet Benji. He now sees every open door as an opportunity to explore, so we are very careful to keep an eye on him when we leave the house to prevent him from crossing the threshold to the outdoors! Benji has been a constant companion throughout a very difficult period of medical challenges and a source of inspiration as I battle my own reluctance to bravely embrace the next phase of my life—retirement.

As I step into my last few weeks as a full-time educator, I have a whirlwind of mixed emotions. It is never easy to leave a job you love, especially when the decision is a result of medical issues. While most people tend to think of retirement as a joyful occasion filled with travel and recreation, I have many feelings of uncertainty about what is yet to come.

But by relying on God I can choose to move forward bravely, just like Benji. It is up to me to embrace the unknown with faith instead of fear. Choosing fear will not allow me to embrace life’s changes with confidence, but choosing faith will. Of the many reassuring verses in the Bible, 2 Timothy 1:7 speaks to me most deeply, “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (NIV). This reminds me that in my moments of fear, I need to draw closer to God. Fear comes from relying on myself or on other people; faith comes from relying on God. Choosing faith will allow me to tap into the spirit of courage which God has given to us all.