Judy this is excellent post, filled with hope and a future! God has given me seeds to sow in many different forms. This year I plan to grow zinnias plus others seeds and plan to cut bouquets and give away to others ! Such a joy in giving.
Wonderful, Rebecca. Your beautiful bouquets will remind receivers that they matter, which will put a smile on your face as well. Thanks for commenting!
Judy, you captured something many of us in this stage of life feel but don’t always articulate—the desire to still contribute and make a difference. I appreciated the reminder that mattering often grows when others rely on us. It reframes responsibility as a gift rather than a burden. Well spoken.
I wonder why we struggle to find ways to contribute and make a difference. Is it because we're no longer working or is it agism? Very interesting question. And the reframing of responsibility as a gift was very helpful for me too, for I admit that at times I see it as a burden. Thanks for commenting, Ken!
Great take on this important topic, Judy! I think we need to be attentive to this because if we aren't intentional about mattering to others, we can wake up one day and question what our role is in retirement. My wife and I are facilitating a small group study at church right now that explores the ideas of serving others well, building on our spiritual gifts and passing on the blessings we have received. It's a powerful way to make sure we're being faithful to God and serving others in the kingdom! That matters!
Good point, Tom. I wonder if some retirees get wrapped up in their own desires and don’t notice others’ needs. If retirement is considered an extended vacation, it would be easy to do. Your small group study sounds interesting. Is it based on a book? Thanks, as always, for your thoughts!
Excellent topic - especially for those of us who are going through life's last passages. I do understand about the inborn need to be. Except I am kind of rogue in just about every possible condition of being human. I could explain but I don't know if anyone wants to know. I just never fit. LOL!
Ha! Ok - I'll sum it up and not bore you with 1000 words.
What if 'mattering' isn't as much about being seen or acknowledged as it is about being a willing open vessel, often [mostly] invisible, except to God?
When I was a late teen, I was challenged with a crisis that put me to the test. I chose to be, not just do, God's will even it it meant being invisible and unknown. I have never regretted that choice because, amazingly enough, it comes with abundant blessings. I raised three kids and helped with seven grands, each now instilled with that same determination, which I consider to be like passing an unseen torch.
Again interesting topic - my next substack is in the cue waiting to post next week - similar topic - hmmmmm great minds, great minds! LOL!
I agree that it's most important to do God's well, which will often not matter in the world. He knows everything we have done, do, and will do, and in the end, he will decide what mattered and what didn't. I'm impressed that as a young woman you made a choice to follow God's will. (I was still pretty clueless at that age.) Thankfully, doing God's will always results in God's blessings. I look forward to reading your next post!
I guess it is a mission, although I hadn't thought of it as such. Bottom line, our mission is to fulfill God's purpose for us, and I'm sure if we do that, we will matter. Thanks, Carole!
Judy this is excellent post, filled with hope and a future! God has given me seeds to sow in many different forms. This year I plan to grow zinnias plus others seeds and plan to cut bouquets and give away to others ! Such a joy in giving.
Wonderful, Rebecca. Your beautiful bouquets will remind receivers that they matter, which will put a smile on your face as well. Thanks for commenting!
Judy, you captured something many of us in this stage of life feel but don’t always articulate—the desire to still contribute and make a difference. I appreciated the reminder that mattering often grows when others rely on us. It reframes responsibility as a gift rather than a burden. Well spoken.
I wonder why we struggle to find ways to contribute and make a difference. Is it because we're no longer working or is it agism? Very interesting question. And the reframing of responsibility as a gift was very helpful for me too, for I admit that at times I see it as a burden. Thanks for commenting, Ken!
Judy, your words matter! And it's so good to connect with you this morning.
Thank you, Linda!
Great take on this important topic, Judy! I think we need to be attentive to this because if we aren't intentional about mattering to others, we can wake up one day and question what our role is in retirement. My wife and I are facilitating a small group study at church right now that explores the ideas of serving others well, building on our spiritual gifts and passing on the blessings we have received. It's a powerful way to make sure we're being faithful to God and serving others in the kingdom! That matters!
Good point, Tom. I wonder if some retirees get wrapped up in their own desires and don’t notice others’ needs. If retirement is considered an extended vacation, it would be easy to do. Your small group study sounds interesting. Is it based on a book? Thanks, as always, for your thoughts!
The study is called Rooted, put together by Mariners church in Seattle. Our church has been doing it for some time and at last count, nearly 1,000 people have gone through it! I highly recommend it. Here's a link for more info if anyone is interested. https://www.experiencerooted.com/collections/the-rooted-experience?srsltid=AfmBOoqNWbdZlf6FbDtQtSe38ku-QpoN6_nAiVyQ08b9mw-FGKQ3mTCJ
Excellent topic - especially for those of us who are going through life's last passages. I do understand about the inborn need to be. Except I am kind of rogue in just about every possible condition of being human. I could explain but I don't know if anyone wants to know. I just never fit. LOL!
I love to read your work and your comments, roguish as they may be😉. Thanks, Meema!
Ha! Ok - I'll sum it up and not bore you with 1000 words.
What if 'mattering' isn't as much about being seen or acknowledged as it is about being a willing open vessel, often [mostly] invisible, except to God?
When I was a late teen, I was challenged with a crisis that put me to the test. I chose to be, not just do, God's will even it it meant being invisible and unknown. I have never regretted that choice because, amazingly enough, it comes with abundant blessings. I raised three kids and helped with seven grands, each now instilled with that same determination, which I consider to be like passing an unseen torch.
Again interesting topic - my next substack is in the cue waiting to post next week - similar topic - hmmmmm great minds, great minds! LOL!
I agree that it's most important to do God's well, which will often not matter in the world. He knows everything we have done, do, and will do, and in the end, he will decide what mattered and what didn't. I'm impressed that as a young woman you made a choice to follow God's will. (I was still pretty clueless at that age.) Thankfully, doing God's will always results in God's blessings. I look forward to reading your next post!
"Thankfully, doing God's will always results in God's blessings."
AMEN!
Mattering sounds a lot like mission. Good post, Judy, thank you.
I guess it is a mission, although I hadn't thought of it as such. Bottom line, our mission is to fulfill God's purpose for us, and I'm sure if we do that, we will matter. Thanks, Carole!