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My scheduled guest for April’s broadcast of Movin’ Together called the morning of the shoot to tell me that she was ill. I could hear it in her voice. Negative for COVID, thankfully. I prayed with her and told her I hoped for a quick recovery.

BUT how do I move through this disappointment? This setback is not on the scale of what is happening worldwide, but it did affect my small part of the world. I have lived long enough to know that I am not in control, but that does not mean I am comfortable. I used the tool I recommend for us all to try in April. Time Out – Stress Less!

I felt stressed, so I needed to take a time out. So now what? As I reflected on my situation (without panic or chaos), I remembered Thomas Walrath, Linda Stager, Christina Simonis, and Austin Dragovich had lent or bought books for me to read. That is how I have been taking time out in my life recently.

Christina’s book author is Janet Schaeffler. She wrote Spiritual Essentials for Life’s Second Act – Let This Be the Time. It described subgroups for the second half of life! The Go-Gos, the Slow Gos, and the No- Gos. I am a Go-Go, so taking Time to read is a purposeful decision. You can decide what group you may fit in after reading these descriptions. The Go-Gos: you are still full of energy and vitality. Age hasn’t seemed to catch up with you yet, although there are signs. You’re still physically active, able to go almost anywhere -even though sometimes you sneak a nap before you do. The Slow-Gos: you’re slowing down and feeling your age. You still like to go but just not as long. You have been known to take a nap before you go to bed. You’re the life of the party – even if it lasts until 8 PM! The No-Gos: the only thing holding you back is probably your health. Your spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, but your wisdom has not diminished. You’re a delight to visit, have a great attitude about your circumstances, and are a testimony to God’s love to those around you.

Linda’s book The Cafe on the Edge of the World, A Story About the Meaning of Life, is thought-provoking. Those who visit the Cafe consider three questions: Why are you here? Do you fear death? Are you fulfilled? The author, John Strelecky, quit his high-paying job to travel worldwide with his wife and decided to write this book upon his return. Though short in length, this book presents a deep search of the heart.

I am still reading Austin’s book, 12 Rules for Life, by Jordan Peterson for the past two years. I am now on Chapter 7, Pursue What is Meaningful (Not What is Expedient). Some previous chapter titles are: Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back (as a fitness trainer that caught my attention); Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping; Make Friends With People Who Want The Best For You; Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not To Who Someone Else Is Today; and Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything That Makes You Dislike Them.

Lastly, Tom’s book IN SIGHT by Sabra Field has been a delight to spend Time viewing her beautiful prints. She is one of North America’s most accomplished printmakers. Sixty million copies of Field’s state bicentennial stamp circulated in the United States in 1991.

I am grateful for the friends in my life who spur me onto new horizons of growth and beauty, so a special thanks go out to Linda, Thomas, Christina, and Austin.