Day -1

​Ok, my plan was to wait until July 1, the first day of my retirement to “reflect” on the retired life, but since this is practically Retirement Eve, I can fill in a bit of what I anticipate this new season/chapter/incarnation of my life to hold:

1.  Probably nothing different.  With twelve and a half hours left until July, I don’t expect massive, overwhelming changes in store, except for perhaps the evidence of smaller paychecks, and way fewer meetings, phone calls, emails and headaches.  But I had already turned over the reins to the district that I superintend to the incoming superintendent about a week ago, and I made a concerted effort to not answer or respond to “work stuff.”  This has been what I called “terminal vacation.”  So I expect most of my daily habits, to-do lists and such to not change so very much.
2. Probably everything different.  Retired!  That’s what my parents did, and what all of the other old people in my life did, and … now it’s what I do.  Do I need to buy some plaid shorts and brown socks? Maybe a doubleknit polo shirt?  Do I need to think about fiber, and brisk walks, and taking up a hobby like whittling or recycling smashed pop cans?  My sons have lately taken to encouraging me NOT to quickly get a job, but to find other things to do, instead of being part of the work force again.  But what will that be?  Am I ready to do what I have never done, or am I satisfied to continuing to do what I have always done? 

I consider this to be my “fourth life.”  My first life began when I began, in 1957.  I grew up in a wonderful Christian family in the Air Force and saw the world and came to know that Jesus loved me, this I knew. I was 8 years old when God called me to be a minister.  55 years later, that calling has remained. My second life began May 29, 1977.  It was a Sunday evening after my first annual conference, when in the backyard of the parsonage in Grafton, North Dakota I met Cheri, who, besides the gift of salvation itself, is the greatest gift God has ever placed before me, and the source of my passion for life.  That second life brought love, joy and two wonderful sons, and the privilege of serving in ten different churches of all sizes for 24 years. My third life?  July 1, 2001, when I began 19 years in appointment to conference leadership and beyond.  What a great life!
And now, my fourth life begins on July 1, 2020.  God is again calling me to a new chapter of life, and I really don’t know what it will be, which is exciting! By the way, the word, “retirement actually comes from the French word meaning “to withdraw” –to go someplace for the sake of privacy, for prayer or study.  Sounds like a great future!  It also means, a private manner of life – so maybe now it’s time for “no-pants Tuesdays!” 
So I anticipate change, and the same, and I also hope for a revealing of new power, insight and the resilience to do and be the best part of this fourth life – starting tomorrow.
Word for today (since each human should be in the business of learning something new everyday, and I love words…)
Syzygy --  the configuration of the Sun, Earth and Moon during an eclipse.  When things align in syzygy, in perfect arrangement, some things become dark, and others, hidden in the light, finally become evident.  It’s pronounced si – zi – gee, and we all need it from time to time.