retirement

Keeping Busy

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It’s been a year now since we signed on the dotted line for this retirement home. And we couldn’t be happier. Life is good. Oh. There have been adjustments all right. The man of the house lived in our former state for ten months before joining me full time in retirement. Now he’s busy taking care of projects around the house. He’s still adjusting to not having a strict schedule, but he’ll get there. It just takes time.

Looking back to my working years, I can now see how I never had time to do much of anything but work. But then, that seems to be the way the system is made. Forty hours of work each week leaves precious little time for much of anything else. Oh. We all try to squeeze in as much life as we can into those evening and weekend hours, but they’re never enough. And a few weeks vacation plus holidays sure don’t go far enough to ease the stress of a heavy workload.

But this year of not working has taught me something. I really enjoy having that extra forty hours in my week. I sure seem to find enough to keep myself busy. Sure. There are times I’m doing nothing. But there are days when I have a full schedule. Now. My full schedule doesn’t look the same as it did in the past. My day doesn’t start as early and it isn’t as rushed. I don’t always have places to go and people to see. But that’s just fine. I like it that way.

Here’s what I do know. In retirement, we can’t just sit around in our recliner and do nothing. Oh sure. I imagine that as old age creeps in, we’ll slow down. At some point, physical ailments and health problems will slow down some activities. But until those things begin to happen on a regular basis, we need to be active. We need to move our bodies and our brains. We need to engage in meaningful conversations with others, young and old. We need to volunteer and give back time to others who don’t have the time. We can start hobbies we never had time for when we were working.

At this point, I’ve discovered that retirement is a very enjoyable period of life. I hadn’t really thought much about what my retirement would look like, but I’m liking it. Over the past few months, I’ve begun walking most mornings. And I’ve become a pickleball player. I’m involved in a small group Bible study at church, and I’m starting to volunteer with the midweek children’s program. Oh. I don’t know the two people I’ve been assigned to work with. I don’t know the kids. I only know two people who are involved with the entire program, so I’m a little unsettled. But I’ll find my way. Does it make me nervous to get out of my comfort zone? Absolutely. Does it stop me? Absolutely not.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10

And the man of the house? He’s getting involved with a couple of men’s groups at church. One group meets for coffee early one morning each week. Oh. It’s a social group, but they’re building relationships and that’s mighty important. He’s also joined the men’s Bible study group that meets once a week. And he’s volunteering with another group to build beds for kids who don’t have one.

This man of mine. He’s also helping the next door neighbor burn down their huge brush pile. He says he likes to burn things, but he also has a huge heart for helping others. And he’s putting that gift to good use. Oh. He comes in the house sweaty and exhausted, but he’s doing a good deed for others who are still working fulltime. Every little bit of help makes a difference.

Here’s the thing I’ve learned. It’s easy to get into a rut and never do anything that challenges me. I could sit in my easy chair all day and scroll on my phone or laptop. I could easily sit and read all day. I could complain that I don’t know very many people in this new place that I willingly moved to. I could just do nothing. But that’s not what God has called me to do. I’m still healthy. I’m still active enough that I can help others and I can also have fun. And there are days that I don’t do much of anything. My goal is to accomplish one thing each day, large or small. At least one thing.

I’ve met a couple of people who moved to the area in the past few years, and they’ve told me that they don’t know anyone. Their method of meeting others is working out at the fitness center. But I wonder just how many people they meet there? Most people go there to work out, not to be social. I take it that they don’t attend church or volunteer anywhere. That would be a depressing way to grow old. Never meeting anyone or doing anything. Just sitting all day. I can’t do that. At least, not at this point.

It takes courage to get out of your comfort zone. And I’ve found that even though the nervousness comes around, it won’t kill me. I’m not doing anything dangerous. I’m just getting involved so I can stay active, meet others and build lasting relationships. I plan to grow old in this place. I don’t want to spend my final years complaining because I don’t know anyone when I haven’t done anything to meet others. So I’m putting myself in uncomfortable situations and plowing through that discomfort. Someday I’m sure I’ll see the bright side of my efforts.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

God’s Goodness in My Morning Walk

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

As I rounded the corner to turn west that morning, the flag flying low slapped me in the face. Oh. I walk by this flag every morning, but I barely notice it. This brush across the face by the stars and stripes reminded me that I’ve been slapped with freedom just by being born in this country. It reminded me that I’m proud to be a citizen of this great nation. Politics aside, I’m living free. And that feels good.

But I also notice a few less patriotic scenes as I walk along. One of the recently sold houses was purchased by a young family. I’ve never seen the kids, but I see all their bicycles and toys and deflated inflatables lying on the lawn. For the life of me, I don’t understand why they don’t pick up these toys each night and put them away. And, for pete’s sake, the SOLD sign is still stuck in their yard. But the scene that I witnessed that morning outshone all the mess before me. I saw the mom and dad on the porch hugging each other as they shared a morning kiss. They stayed in that embrace for a few seconds before he pulled away. As he walked down the stairs to his truck, he timidly smiled at me.

Oh. I’ve noticed this couple on the front porch several other mornings, just not in a sweet embrace. I’ve seen them sitting there chatting before their busy day starts. One morning, they were sitting on the lawn and she held a book in hand. I imagined that she was reading the Bible to her husband as a loving way to start the day. But I don’t know if that’s true or not. It’s refreshing to see a young couple enjoying each other’s presence before the house erupts with kid’s needs.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

On around the corner sat the sheriff’s car. I’m not sure if he was processing paperwork or waiting for speeders. Either way, I walked on by without hesitation. I’ve seen this car in the church parking lot many other times, but never with a law enforcement officer sitting in it.

I’ve had multiple occasions to meet dogs while getting my steps in. One such morning, I walked past a trailer just as the owner opened the door to let her two dogs out. One rushed at me and brushed against my leg. As I continued walking, the owner yelled with her gruff, smoky voice to get back here, with a profanity thrown in for good measure. Each morning that same dog barks at me from inside the trailer as I walk past, and the owner lets out a gruff rebuke each time.

On one morning’s walk, I had the opportunity to meet a dog named Goldie. Her owner held tightly to the leash, because she said Goldie would want to follow me. I told her that I once had a dog that would try the same thing. Goldie seemed to be mild mannered and gentle. She didn’t rush toward me or make a sound as I walked past. Oh. I called her by name so she would hopefully see me as a friendly sort.

Further on in my walk, another dog ran through a neighbor’s yard toward me. Oh. He was a friendly guy. He’s a hunting dog. I had met him a few month’s earlier when he got loose one morning. At that point, I had no clue where he lived or who owned him, so I was able to pull him into the house and call the number on his collar. The owner later came to pick him up. Through my morning walks, I’ve now discovered where Toby lives. He barks at me each morning as I walk past his house. He doesn’t realize I rescued him months earlier. But on this particular morning, he ran toward me from a yard that was not his. As I reached to find his owner’s phone number on his tag, he felt the shock from his collar. Off he ran toward home. And as I continued on my path to home, I heard his owner yelling loudly at him over and over again.

I notice the cars and trucks on the streets as people are leaving to begin a new workday. I’m thankful that my years of daily work have come to an end, and look forward to years ahead of slow living. I hope these workers realize that while the days are long the years really are short. Soon, they will be the ones pursuing a slower pace of life.

I see the old 2-story Victorian that recently had a facelift. It now looks loved and well cared for. It now looks inviting. I would love to commend the owner if I ran into them on the sidewalk. If only the neighboring houses would follow suit. Too many houses in this small town don’t have any appeal, yet the streets are lined with years old trees. It’s obvious the houses and the village have been around for many, many years, but the pride in it has fallen to a severely low point. I discovered a lawn ornament in the lawn across the street from that spiffed up house. I’m not sure how long it has sat there, but I have to believe it’s been a long while. The pale blue toilet sure makes a statement, all right.

I noticed the alley that I recently learned has likely been used as a drug selling spot at one point in history. I avoid walking that path. Now the owner of the big house has a legitimate job and the illegal sales seemed to have stopped. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. If only he would take care of his property, the neighbors would rejoice.

As I turn the curve to my street, I notice how it is lined with trees to the west. I walk the remaining yards to my front door, and head to the shower to remove all traces of sweat. It’s gonna be a good day.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:6

Why am I thankful for this phase of life I’m in? There is power and freedom in a slow lifestyle. Living in a simple, half-forgotten village that seeks for relevance is not for everyone. It’s a quiet life that I’m loving. And I’m reminded each day on my walks that God is so, so good to me. I have so much to be thankful for. For many years I lived with the hustle and bustle of city living, full-time work and busyness. Retirement brings contentment and fulfillment in ways I never imagined. Life is good.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

I love You, Lord
Oh, Your mercy never failed me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God, yeah!

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after (It keeps running after me)

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

~Bethel Music

He Finished Well

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

We’ve been planning this day for a while now. Two years, in fact. The time when he can leave behind the cares of employment. The day when he can close the door one last time for being on call twenty-four hours seven days a week. The time has come for others to take his place. Oh. It was hard letting go of a job he truly loved. But it was also a sweet relief to turn in his badge and sign off one last time. No regrets. 

Sure. There was a celebration for him. He was honored and applauded. Many kind and gracious words were spoken of his leadership, strong decision making and dedication to always doing the right thing. He treated others with respect and never backed down from speaking words of truth and wisdom when needed.  And many noted that at times he was the only one to use tough love.

As many lauded his actions and achievements, he wiped tears from his eyes. He knew he was well loved and respected. He would be missed. His replacement told him that he had big shoes to fill. Their kind words will make for many memories as he walks away from many years of service in a place he dearly loved and fought for. As one whose love language is words of affirmation, his cup was filled to the brim and running over that day. Those words of respect and kindness will stay with him for years to come.

He worked hard and found great enjoyment in serving others. As I mentioned, he showed tough love when it was appropriate, but he showed it with kindness and respect. He has never been one to mince words when speaking the truth, and some are uncomfortable with strong truths. But that didn’t stop him from having hard conversations with those who needed correction and direction. He always found the right way to say the words that needed to be said without demoralizing the listener, and many he worked with acknowledged him for it.

He can walk away with his head held high and his heart full of accomplishment. He finished well the course of a forty three year career. Oh. There were tough times. And there were many lessons learned. There were multiple job losses and new paths forged. But he walked through each new door ready to learn and accomplish much. As he now lays all those years of service aside, he won’t become lazy. He’ll find a new path to walk and new faces and names to learn. He’s ready for a more leisurely pace, but he hasn’t given up on life. He’ll walk through this new door and find a new contentment and enjoyment he’s totally unaware of at this point. He’ll find his way.

Oh. He’ll face new challenges as he crosses the threshold of retirement,  but he can look back on the years of rising early, knowing he did a job well done. There’s nothing wrong with finishing a career. It’s expected. But there is still a journey ahead that will have its own twists and turns. That, too, is expected.  It’s called life.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Never think that your acts of service and words of truth go unseen and unheard. In the right moments, others are watching and listening. They see and hear you, and your godly example does not go unnoticed. Oh. They may never publicly or even privately acknowledge your efforts, but trust me. They notice. And they may be envious of the ease in which you carry yourself. Don’t ever walk away from honest living. 

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and “the lilies of the field”–simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.

Oswald Chambers

Oh. A life lived well isn’t without stress and suffering. It’s a testament to the strength and graciousness of a loving God who walks by your side each and every day. The responsibility should not be taken lightly, but at the appointed hour the burden is lifted. The torch is passed to the next generation. And that time has come for him. 

So. Welcome to retirement, my dear. The road has been long, but the days are still short. You have earned the welcome relief of a slower pace of life, less stress and long stretches of sleep. I pray you find your way in this new phase of life as we grow old together. You are the best. And I love you.

Let me be clear. Greatness isn’t about being seen. It’s not about platforms or follower counts or fleeting viral fame. It’s not about accolades or promotions, the hollow rewards that come with a title but not always with true fulfillment. It’s about impact. The kind that doesn’t seek applause. The kind that shifts something in another person’s spirit. The kind that ripples on the waters of another’s heart. The kind that opens up new possibilities. The kind that brings healing, clarity, and light where there once was only darkness.

Etienne Toussaint