My wife, Lynn, and I have had a simple
preretirement plan for quite awhile. With pension plans and Social
Security, we would “secure” our golden years by working until at least
age 65. Our reading on retirement planning suggested this was the only
way we could set aside “enough” for a comfortable lifestyle. Is our
Plan A anything like yours?
We’ve
each enjoyed careers where we’ve been able to use our God-given
talents. Lynn, a hospice nurse, has a treasury of thanksgiving notes
from families she has advised during end-of-life journeys. I’ve chased
deadlines for 38 years, most recently as communications director for
the Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia.
My understanding of
faith has always persuaded me to make full use of God’s gifts. So, over
the years, lay leadership in a congregation and volunteering have been
second nature. I’ve taught Sunday school, served councils in four
churches, been part of several call committees, and served boards
connected with the church and in communities where I’ve lived.
But a couple of years ago I realized I was beginning to feel tired.
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