I expected it to be traumatic, even tearful, the moment we pulled the door shut on 2919 Mable for the last time.

The reality was more earthy—two tired, sweaty bodies, relieved we got out before the new owners’ walk-through at 5:30.

Talked about it as we drove away—how we had been leaving this place emotionally, a little at a time, for weeks, even months. Which made this day easier.

Which is making retirement easier. Speaking of our new life in Christ, the Apostle Paul put it like this: “Old things are passed away; all things are become new.”

I guess I never saw the effect of the one on the other. Whether it’s a change in spiritual life, career or life stage, sometimes, in order for the old to pass, the new must come, and for the new to come, the old must pass.