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Retirement?
Thursday, June 16, 2022 by Barbara
The Lighter Side
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14
Today is my husband’s last full day of work. He entered the work world delivering newspapers when he was only nine and ended as a care pastor looking at 75. We’ve talked a lot about what it looks like to retire. Mirriam-Webster defines it this way:
1: to withdraw from action or danger
2: to withdraw especially for privacy
3: to move back
4: to withdraw from one's position or occupation
5: to go to bed
In the past ten months we have relocated, renovated, recovered from health challenges, and now retired. Each of Webster’s definitions sounds appealing but, while we will take some down time to recover, we will not stop. We think about traveling some, enjoying open calendars, and living at a slower pace. Age has slowed us down, but we’re convinced that if we’re breathing, there’s more to do.
Perhaps our friend, Pastor Marty, said it best: “Rich won’t retire, he’ll re-fire.” And that’s what we anticipate—new fire. We’re excited to see what God will do in this next chapter and expect to encounter grace-filled opportunities.
If you’re reading this, you’re breathing, and you, my friend are not finished yet either! Join us in expecting God-surprises.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:8
Comments
Kathy R. From Hope, NJ At 7/1/2022 11:02:26 AM
Congratulations on this accomplishment, Rich and Barbara! Aaaaah, God’s always doing a ‘new thing’, now it shall spring forth, shall you not know it? “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Your post reminds me that He’s with us in every season, in every change. Thanks! :-)Reply by: Barbara Higby Author
Thank you for sharing that wonderful verse!Faith From Alburtis, PA At 6/16/2022 10:51:57 PM
Congratulations! You now have new jobs and are no longer “the pastor and the pastor’s wife.” God has your new job descriptions written for you. Awake each morning as you have in the past decades asking God to show you his “to do” list. His supply will overflow.Reply by: Barbara Higby Author
Oh, Faith, thank you for your encouraging words!Sally From NJ At 6/16/2022 7:04:40 AM
Well said. God is never finished with us nor us Him. He send signs to each of us, and we pray that we look for them & respond wisely. You did just that. We worded every year since ages 11 & 14. Retirement is just a word for change. It is wonderful because there are different opportunities everyday.Reply by: Barbara Higby Author
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