This column broached a very deep and complex subject. First, it is a shame that we discover this in our waining days of life. The wasted struggles of consumerism we battled in our youth, only to come out at the end, with hopefully, a better outlook of life as well as ourselves. Having been retired (hate the word) for 6 1/2 years, I have had plenty of time to reflect on my previous adventure, and the one that I am journeying on now. The adventure before me today is far more challenging than the previous. For now, I am accountable to no one, not my supervisor (though my wife would beg to differ), not an organization, not a policy, etc. This change alone is a complete reversal than my previous life. Yet, the rewards and joys of this adventure are greater than those of my previous endeavors. As the sainted Martin Luther said: "A Christian is the freest lord of all, subject to no one. A Christian is the most dutiful servant of all, subject to all." (Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love , A Reader's Edition). This is the paradox you have ventured into.
Thanks for your thoughts, Kyle, and I love the Luther quote. I wouldn't have understood that concept as well 30 years ago as I do now. It could be that some of us need to see that the worldly life isn't what we thought it would be, and then we learn to experience the freedom and value in living for Christ. I admire those who understood that early in life; for me, it's been a process!
Soft skills are so underrated. Sadly someone needs to measure them from an economic standpoint to make the case to not only value them but require them in any work environment. And furthermore provide the nurturing and training to develop and strengthen them. The result in my opinion culminates in a world that operates from and with kindness. Just a thought!
I agree, Judi. And it's probably getting worse with so many working remotely. Nurturing and training are key, and hopefully someone is able to model appropriate soft skills to young workers. Thanks, Judi.
Retirement’s so dimensional, isn’t it? And your focus growing our hearts, minds, and spirits demonstrates that well, Judy. Loved learning more about the path you took. Thanks for this!
I'm with team Pearl! Work does not equal paid employment but rather purposeful activity. Thank you as always for encouraging us to reimagine what these "retirement" years can be like, Judy.
Yep, I’m with team Pearl too! It’s becoming clear to me that retirement years can be some of the most purposeful and fruitful times of our lives. Thank you, Maggie!
This column broached a very deep and complex subject. First, it is a shame that we discover this in our waining days of life. The wasted struggles of consumerism we battled in our youth, only to come out at the end, with hopefully, a better outlook of life as well as ourselves. Having been retired (hate the word) for 6 1/2 years, I have had plenty of time to reflect on my previous adventure, and the one that I am journeying on now. The adventure before me today is far more challenging than the previous. For now, I am accountable to no one, not my supervisor (though my wife would beg to differ), not an organization, not a policy, etc. This change alone is a complete reversal than my previous life. Yet, the rewards and joys of this adventure are greater than those of my previous endeavors. As the sainted Martin Luther said: "A Christian is the freest lord of all, subject to no one. A Christian is the most dutiful servant of all, subject to all." (Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love , A Reader's Edition). This is the paradox you have ventured into.
Thanks for your thoughts, Kyle, and I love the Luther quote. I wouldn't have understood that concept as well 30 years ago as I do now. It could be that some of us need to see that the worldly life isn't what we thought it would be, and then we learn to experience the freedom and value in living for Christ. I admire those who understood that early in life; for me, it's been a process!
Soft skills are so underrated. Sadly someone needs to measure them from an economic standpoint to make the case to not only value them but require them in any work environment. And furthermore provide the nurturing and training to develop and strengthen them. The result in my opinion culminates in a world that operates from and with kindness. Just a thought!
I agree, Judi. And it's probably getting worse with so many working remotely. Nurturing and training are key, and hopefully someone is able to model appropriate soft skills to young workers. Thanks, Judi.
That’s what I emphasize in mentoring. Keep getting the word out to the next generation as well as the 3rd stagers!
Amen to this! Work, paid or unpaid, is a gift. And one we should do “as unto the Lord.” Thanks Judy!
Absolutely! Thanks Elizabeth!
Retirement’s so dimensional, isn’t it? And your focus growing our hearts, minds, and spirits demonstrates that well, Judy. Loved learning more about the path you took. Thanks for this!
Yes, I feel my life has expanded in several directions, sometimes beyond what I can keep up with! Thanks Cheryl!
Sweet abundance!
As always your posts are a great way to start my day and focus on my journey in Retirement Thank you and God Bless
I love that you used the word ‘journey’ for retirement. It is a journey, and I can’t wait to see where it goes! Thank you, Barb!
I'm with team Pearl! Work does not equal paid employment but rather purposeful activity. Thank you as always for encouraging us to reimagine what these "retirement" years can be like, Judy.
Yep, I’m with team Pearl too! It’s becoming clear to me that retirement years can be some of the most purposeful and fruitful times of our lives. Thank you, Maggie!