Clear the Decks

Anonymous

Was it guidance, or just a misfiring neuron in my brain? Out of the blue came the words (not audible, but a very specific thought): “Clear the decks.”  While I had been a Course student for more than 20 years, I had not asked a question or sought any kind of guidance. I was confused and surprised. The idea of clearing the decks could shake up my world when I was so happy with my life.

Some years ago, when I retired from a successful 40-year career, I had an itch to do something else interesting and fulfilling, and a dream job teaching full-time in the college of business at a local university came my way.

I dove into the teaching job with a recent graduate’s energy and enthusiasm– although I was far beyond that time in my life. I was interviewed for an article in the local newspaper and explained, “I stood on a lot of people’s shoulders in order to be successful, and now I am going to meet people who will be standing on mine.”

I had begun a three-year teaching contract but was enjoying my new role so much that I asked for a one-year extension, then another. The new school year was a couple of months underway, and I was doing well, enjoying myself immensely, and counting my blessings.

Then that strange message came through to “clear the decks.” This was surprising and perplexing to me for several reasons: I am not a nautical person and such an admonition was not the type of language my ego would use. Moreover, I was enjoying teaching very much.

I was puzzled and inclined to dismiss this directive – mostly because I had no idea what it meant. A few weeks went by, but the “clear the decks” impression did not either diminish or intensify – it simply stayed put. One day, the additional thought came into my awareness. I was to make a list of my major work-related responsibilities. I started by listing the courses I was teaching, some investment projects with which I was involved, and several boards or task forces I was serving. I eventually came up with a list of about 20 responsibilities that were absorbing significant amounts of my time and attention.

Then a connection formed in my mind – I would “clear the decks” by gradually and gently pruning this list. My first stop was with my Department Chair at the university, who questioned my decision to “retire.” I had no good explanation and said I just wanted to spend more time with my family. It sounded feeble to me when I said it, but it was true enough to be credible. However, it certainly was not the driving force. I was simply clearing the decks – for what purpose I was unaware.

Over the next seven months, I pared the list down from about 20 items to about four and even reduced the time I was spending on those four. All the while, unclear on why I was doing this – but yet with a sense of calm and peace.

By mid-May, the semester had ended, my teaching duties were concluded, my retirement celebrated, and promises to keep in touch made with faculty friends and former students. One day, I found myself sitting in my easy chair and realizing that I had almost nothing on my “To Do” list. All I could think of for sure was a dental appointment in a couple of weeks. I was surprised and thought I would even be anxious about this, but I wasn’t for some strange reason. Instead, I just felt a sense of calm. I was waiting for a follow-up message with the clarity of “Clear the Decks.” I even supposed it might be “Well done, good and faithful servant” and that I would buy a boat and spend time lazily drifting with the current (decks clear, of course), but that message didn’t seem to be coming through.

I had still been checking my university email for the occasional former student request for a reference or a congratulatory note from a student or colleague on my successful encore career. On this particular day, the only email was from the president of the university and it said, “Would you please call me?” I had met him on a couple of occasions but did not know him well, and could not imagine why he wanted me to call. Still, my curiosity caused me to quickly dial the number provided.

After congratulating me on completing my teaching career, the president said, “Some changes are taking place in the College of Business, and I would like for you to serve as interim Dean for a year while we undertake a search for a permanent Dean.” In a flash, I understood why I had cleared the decks – to make room for a new mission. Silly me, I had thought it was time to play! Instead, I had one of the most interesting and invigorating years of my career – and worked as hard as I ever had! There is no way I could have done the job without having cleared the decks. The search was completed and the new Dean asked me to stay affiliated with the College by running a program – which I did for the next two years. (I take a lot of teasing about my four retirement parties – but I like the cake and punch!)

I have often asked for guidance – and often feel that I have received it in some form. However, on this occasion it was not sought – but was clear. I am grateful that I followed it – not only for the marvelous experience that I had, but for the power of the lesson that the Holy Spirit is always present and helps me do what is best – even when it is least expected.

You should be confident that any guidance which comes from me will not jeopardize anyone. If you can continue not to evaluate my messages and merely follow them, they will lead to good for everyone. [CE T-4.IX.5:1-2]

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