When I was younger, I felt the weight of responsibility. First, the responsibility not to be a burden on anyone, but to learn to stand on my own. Then the responsibility of providing, without fail, for the needs of my family. And I was driven by that sense towards goals beyond myself. And I wasn't satisfied, I felt that I could do more, should do more; I felt inadequate. Truth is, I often was and sometimes I wasn't - that's the reality of life.
People, wiser than I, were often trying to pull back on my reins. Telling me to slow down. I saw little purpose in slowing down most of the time. I knew I could do more, even when I couldn't. That is a fading perspective in my life.
I recently retired, not to inactivity, but to the possibility of peace. I am now working my retirement job, my Meadery, and when I craft a new batch or pour another glass I feel a strange feeling. I feel content.
Now no one is telling me to slow down, but I worry that old ambitions will get the better of me. I worry that I will get caught up in trying to achieve more, and in doing so I will lose focus on the joy in front of me.
So, what I am thinking about these days, strangely, is pulling back on my own reins, slowing down, for once on my own. Intentionally pausing to count my blessings, to appreciate what I have and to love the people in my life.
Bee Good Meadery doesn't have to become the biggest meadery in Indiana. It doesn't have to grow into a regional brand or make me wealthy. It can simply be a place where I craft excellent mead, enjoy the company of customers, share stories, laugh with friends, and go home satisfied.
Perhaps this next chapter of my life isn't about building something greater but about enjoying something good. It's about making wine of the fruits of the spirit and pouring it out into the world around me.
There's a passage from Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 that makes a suitable observation…
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God” (NIV).
My friends, Bee Good, bee thankful, bee satisfied in the fruits of your labor; for peace and contentment are found there.