I believe that Scott is right that most people don't get what they want--or anticipate--in their Beyond. I appreciate Alice Mathews' wise observation that "our 'beyond' can mean adjustments we had not fully anticipated. I remember my mentor and friend, Haddon Robinson, saying, "A funny thing happened on my way to retirement." The 'funny …
I believe that Scott is right that most people don't get what they want--or anticipate--in their Beyond. I appreciate Alice Mathews' wise observation that "our 'beyond' can mean adjustments we had not fully anticipated. I remember my mentor and friend, Haddon Robinson, saying, "A funny thing happened on my way to retirement." The 'funny thing' was becoming the interim present of a seminary at at 78! I have another ministry leader friend who is spending his retirement caring for his spouse who has Alzheimers.
All of this, as well as Eugene's story, has tempered grandiose plans for my 'beyond.' I would love to keep preaching, writing, teaching, mentoring, etc., without the pressures and pace of a lead pastor role. I would like to get back to my Montana home more frequently to fly fish. Yet that may not be the path God has planned for me. Health and finances and has been' status will have something to say about that. Maybe I'll end up as a greeter at Wal-Mart ... seriously! If so, I'll embrace that role.
A few years ago, a friend made a comment that I took as a wise insight. He said he was enjoying his "retirement" now--in his pre-retirement years. His point was that he was not going to wait until retirement years to do some of the things he wanted to do when he retired. He feared diminished health, energy, and even financial capacity. I've tried to follow that. I use all the vacation and occasional sabbatical time I am given. I try to invest in the lives of my grandkids (six out of seven are here in my town and part of the church I serve) now instead of waiting for that mythical "later when I'm retired." My wife and I try to take trips now that we may not be interested in taking or able to take in the 'beyond years.'
Thanks again, Scot, for hosting this rich discussion. I have really appreciated the insights of all who have posted.
I believe that Scott is right that most people don't get what they want--or anticipate--in their Beyond. I appreciate Alice Mathews' wise observation that "our 'beyond' can mean adjustments we had not fully anticipated. I remember my mentor and friend, Haddon Robinson, saying, "A funny thing happened on my way to retirement." The 'funny thing' was becoming the interim present of a seminary at at 78! I have another ministry leader friend who is spending his retirement caring for his spouse who has Alzheimers.
All of this, as well as Eugene's story, has tempered grandiose plans for my 'beyond.' I would love to keep preaching, writing, teaching, mentoring, etc., without the pressures and pace of a lead pastor role. I would like to get back to my Montana home more frequently to fly fish. Yet that may not be the path God has planned for me. Health and finances and has been' status will have something to say about that. Maybe I'll end up as a greeter at Wal-Mart ... seriously! If so, I'll embrace that role.
A few years ago, a friend made a comment that I took as a wise insight. He said he was enjoying his "retirement" now--in his pre-retirement years. His point was that he was not going to wait until retirement years to do some of the things he wanted to do when he retired. He feared diminished health, energy, and even financial capacity. I've tried to follow that. I use all the vacation and occasional sabbatical time I am given. I try to invest in the lives of my grandkids (six out of seven are here in my town and part of the church I serve) now instead of waiting for that mythical "later when I'm retired." My wife and I try to take trips now that we may not be interested in taking or able to take in the 'beyond years.'
Thanks again, Scot, for hosting this rich discussion. I have really appreciated the insights of all who have posted.