I Am Enough, You Are Enough
By Rev. Don Brewington
Life is to be lived. That’s a true statement—and at the same time, when one makes this statement, it is important to realize that it encompasses all that comes with living. Life holds joys, sorrows, and surprises (both good and not so good), and it is always filled with challenges—if you are truly living. What I am learning, or perhaps being reminded of, is that with God, I am enough.
Just over a year ago, I retired from a profession that I truly loved. It was filled with joy; of course, it had its challenges, but I was enough, and my work was my fun. It was the kind of work I would have done for free if I could. However, amid that joy, life’s interruptions intruded and rocked my world. A new Pharaoh came to town, and when I would have otherwise left angrily or retired early, as life would have it, I could not. A plan was devised for a smooth exit, and God rewarded the effort—I was enough. I had what I needed to reclaim my joy.
As transitions go, they often come with questions and challenges. What would I do with all that time? How would I navigate what was beginning to feel like nothingness? I prayed. I think I may have even shed a tear or two. If there were nothing ahead for me, perhaps I needed to hold on to what I knew in my heart it was time to let go of. I prayed and prayed, and one morning, in meditation, God answered.
In retirement, I needed to supplement my income—and I needed to have fun. While I had in mind some mid- to upper-level management role, God said, “KISS—back up and keep it simple.” The solution: substitute teach three days a week and start a podcast. One was simple; the other—I had no idea what a podcast was or how to create one. I figured God must have a sense of humor.
What I learned was that I had everything I needed for success—that I was enough. I now substitute at one high school by choice, and I love it. And the podcast? It’s doing quite well. Please feel free to check it out—it’s on YouTube and coming soon to audio platforms. The podcast is What’s Up With That: A Podcast2.
As I have entered my second year of retirement, I am being met with a new challenge—one that is honestly frightening: caring for someone I love deeply, my mom. I have a plethora of emotions, and some days they feel out of control. The blessing is that I have learned to talk about it.
On my walk last evening, I ran into a friend and neighbor, and we walked together. I opened up like a floodgate. While I initially felt guilty, it also felt good. What I realized is that the most stifling thing is not my ability to be there for my mom—it is the anger of feeling that I am in this alone, even though I have a sibling. That is something I must face and work through.
As we were parting, my friend said, “You can only do what you can do. And remember—you are enough.”
So I say this: I am enough to continue substituting at a school I enjoy. I am enough to continue podcasting and creating meaningful content. And I must share that my mom will be 90 in three months—she is relatively healthy and independent. I tell her, “We will become roommates. We will take care of each other.” And we are enough to make that happen.
Because, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
I got this. I AM ENOUGH. And as you encounter the many challenges of Living Life, know that YOU ARE ENOUGH.