I am still coming to grips with being retired. I have worked all my life. My first job was selling Christmas cards at age seven and there have only been short periods of unemployment since then. I guess you could say my life has been somewhat defined by working. Of course, this could be said about most retirees. So, what makes mine different? I can’t really say that it is. What I can say is that it came too early. I had planned on going on for a few more years. However, the pain in my leg saw it differently. Unfortunately, the pain became so severe that I had to start taking a strong narcotic just to deal with the pain. The pain and the effects of the medication made work impossible. So, I went on disability retirement. Thus far, it has been good. Una was also able to go on disability retirement, due to a work injury. We have sufficient funds and life is good. We have traveled the country in a motor home and are still on our journey. Most days I don’t really miss working. On the other hand, there are many nights filled with dreams about working. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss working. Part of it is my chosen career, teaching. It might be self-serving to say that I made a difference. Yet, I strongly feel that every teacher’s influence has the potential to be life-changing. I was a good teacher and I enjoyed teaching. This played into my decision to retire. I knew that given what I was going through with disability that it was impossible to give my students 100%. Part of my missing work has to do with providing. My life has been partly defined by my ability to provide for my family. I am a provider. Sure, I know that my retirement is still providing, but I am doing nothing to earn the money. And, sure, it could be said that I have already earned the money. There is merit to this.
In the end, I am retired. Life is good and fulfilling. I am reading a lot, catching up on television shows that I didn’t time for before, and my wife and I are really enjoying time with each other. All-in-all I feel good about retirement. It is a new phase in my life – a good phase. Una and I are loving the blessings God continues to provide. We live in a beautiful country where there is more to see than we have time in our lives. However, because we are retired, we are seeing more than most people ever dream. I’m sure that as we progress I will miss work less, while enjoying retirement more.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Why RV?
Since we decided to sell our home and go on the road there have been a number of people who have not understood our decision. First of all, I admit that it is not an easy thing to do. It requires giving up the stability of a stationary home. We had to get rid of a lot of stuff. Simply because the space in a recreational vehicle is limited. It can be a little scary to place oneself in a seemingly homeless position. And, it isn’t easy knowing that some of your friends think you have basically lost it. We have had a lot of people ask us where we are going to live. Having never experienced this way of life, we understand how many are perplexed.
About eight years ago we bought our first RV, a twenty-three foot travel trailer. We acquired it as a place to live in while we sold one home and purchased another. After the house thing was taken care of, we used the RV as it was intended, for camping trips. Since we both worked in education and had summers off, we took some road trips. These road trips actually started without an RV – we tent camped. On these early trips we started seeing just how accessible the beauty of our country is. After a trip to Yellowstone in the travel trailer we decided that we needed something a little larger. So, we traded it in on a twenty-seven foot fifth wheel travel trailer with a slide out in the living area. Wow! What a difference that slide out made! We took two major road trips in the fifth wheel in 2005 and 2007, along with many smaller road trips. As we traveled throughout the nation we met many wonderful people. Some of these were full-time RVers. That is, people who live in their RV all of the time. We were intrigued. However, we really didn’t think it was for us. Until we found that when we had to end our two month road trips we didn’t really want to. We discovered that life on the road can be wonderful. In ‘07 as we sat outside our rig enjoying a beautiful Montana sunset I said to Una, “You know, no matter what RV we could have it would never be as big as our house, but every night we step out into God’s living room and it is immense and beautiful!” It was nearly a year later when Una said she thought she would like to become a full-time RVer. So, we started the preparation. It was no small feat getting everything slimmed down to fit into a RV. However, we were determined to do it if it meant giving stuff away. Fortunately, we were able to sell most of it. After retirement, we were able to sell the house, get what was left into our RV and a small storage shed at our daughter, Shannon’s, house. We can see how that one day we will probably do another slim down to get rid of the storage shed. It may be hard to believe, but when we got rid of all the stuff we felt a tremendous weight being removed. It is a very freeing experience. When we hit the road we made a pact that if either one of us decides that we are through with this lifestyle we will stop and move back into a stationary house. That day has not yet come, and we really can’t imagine it coming. We are loving the lifestyle. We still have a home; it just happens to be on wheels. Our home is now a thirty-eight foot motorhome with two slide-outs, one in the living area and one in the bedroom. It kind of feels like living in a small apartment without people on the other side of the walls, ceiling, or floor. The rest of our home is the United States. We are still stepping out into God’s living room every night. Our cost of living is actually less than it was with a stationary house. We have seen sights that defy description, met many wonderful people, had varied church experiences (our church home in the Houston area refers to us as their mobile church), and find ourselves free to go and do whatever we please. We honestly do not miss being tied to a stationary house. To those who think we have lost it, we can only say, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I will say that having the internet has been a wonderful asset. We are able to keep up with family, old friends, and new friends. It also enables us to take care of business conveniently. I know that this lifestyle is not for everyone, but I can’t help but wonder how many would choose it if they could experience what we have.
About eight years ago we bought our first RV, a twenty-three foot travel trailer. We acquired it as a place to live in while we sold one home and purchased another. After the house thing was taken care of, we used the RV as it was intended, for camping trips. Since we both worked in education and had summers off, we took some road trips. These road trips actually started without an RV – we tent camped. On these early trips we started seeing just how accessible the beauty of our country is. After a trip to Yellowstone in the travel trailer we decided that we needed something a little larger. So, we traded it in on a twenty-seven foot fifth wheel travel trailer with a slide out in the living area. Wow! What a difference that slide out made! We took two major road trips in the fifth wheel in 2005 and 2007, along with many smaller road trips. As we traveled throughout the nation we met many wonderful people. Some of these were full-time RVers. That is, people who live in their RV all of the time. We were intrigued. However, we really didn’t think it was for us. Until we found that when we had to end our two month road trips we didn’t really want to. We discovered that life on the road can be wonderful. In ‘07 as we sat outside our rig enjoying a beautiful Montana sunset I said to Una, “You know, no matter what RV we could have it would never be as big as our house, but every night we step out into God’s living room and it is immense and beautiful!” It was nearly a year later when Una said she thought she would like to become a full-time RVer. So, we started the preparation. It was no small feat getting everything slimmed down to fit into a RV. However, we were determined to do it if it meant giving stuff away. Fortunately, we were able to sell most of it. After retirement, we were able to sell the house, get what was left into our RV and a small storage shed at our daughter, Shannon’s, house. We can see how that one day we will probably do another slim down to get rid of the storage shed. It may be hard to believe, but when we got rid of all the stuff we felt a tremendous weight being removed. It is a very freeing experience. When we hit the road we made a pact that if either one of us decides that we are through with this lifestyle we will stop and move back into a stationary house. That day has not yet come, and we really can’t imagine it coming. We are loving the lifestyle. We still have a home; it just happens to be on wheels. Our home is now a thirty-eight foot motorhome with two slide-outs, one in the living area and one in the bedroom. It kind of feels like living in a small apartment without people on the other side of the walls, ceiling, or floor. The rest of our home is the United States. We are still stepping out into God’s living room every night. Our cost of living is actually less than it was with a stationary house. We have seen sights that defy description, met many wonderful people, had varied church experiences (our church home in the Houston area refers to us as their mobile church), and find ourselves free to go and do whatever we please. We honestly do not miss being tied to a stationary house. To those who think we have lost it, we can only say, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I will say that having the internet has been a wonderful asset. We are able to keep up with family, old friends, and new friends. It also enables us to take care of business conveniently. I know that this lifestyle is not for everyone, but I can’t help but wonder how many would choose it if they could experience what we have.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Being a Dad
From viewing the crystal blue eyes of my newborn son, to seeing a beautiful daughter a nurse had to convince me was mine, to a daughter with a thatch of red hair looking like she was wanting to fight, being a dad has defined my life for the past forty years. There is nothing that has given me more pleasure. It has been the fulfillment of dreams having existed since I was a small boy.
Having come from a family with an abusive father, it has always been my goal to be the very best father I could be. However, the real challenge came from not having the proper example. So, I prepared with classes on child development and psychology. Yet, the real breakthrough came when I committed my life to Christ and looked to my heavenly Father as an example. Even though I can’t claim perfection, my life is proof of having taken fatherhood serious to the extreme. None of my children will ever be able to say that I have abused them in any way. Each of them will always be able to give testimony to my unconditional love. I am proud of them individually for their own merits. And, even though I would like to think I have had a part, each of them have become successful adults through their own efforts.
My children mean more to me than anything. They are among the greatest gifts I have ever received from God. The only gifts greater are His love and my wife. To have enjoyed the pleasure of parenting these precious gifts carries more meaning than I could possible delineate in this blog. Each stage of their growth, from infancy through adulthood, has been a miraculous experience. In each phase they have shown God’s greatest love to me. From Rodney’s kungfuy, to Brook’s hatcha, to Shannon’s precise time-keeping, they have brought joy that can only be found in being a dad. And now, as Rodney finds his way in the Lord, Shannon begins life with a new mate, and Brook continues to mother her brood, I continue to be elated in simply being their dad.
Having come from a family with an abusive father, it has always been my goal to be the very best father I could be. However, the real challenge came from not having the proper example. So, I prepared with classes on child development and psychology. Yet, the real breakthrough came when I committed my life to Christ and looked to my heavenly Father as an example. Even though I can’t claim perfection, my life is proof of having taken fatherhood serious to the extreme. None of my children will ever be able to say that I have abused them in any way. Each of them will always be able to give testimony to my unconditional love. I am proud of them individually for their own merits. And, even though I would like to think I have had a part, each of them have become successful adults through their own efforts.
My children mean more to me than anything. They are among the greatest gifts I have ever received from God. The only gifts greater are His love and my wife. To have enjoyed the pleasure of parenting these precious gifts carries more meaning than I could possible delineate in this blog. Each stage of their growth, from infancy through adulthood, has been a miraculous experience. In each phase they have shown God’s greatest love to me. From Rodney’s kungfuy, to Brook’s hatcha, to Shannon’s precise time-keeping, they have brought joy that can only be found in being a dad. And now, as Rodney finds his way in the Lord, Shannon begins life with a new mate, and Brook continues to mother her brood, I continue to be elated in simply being their dad.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Love
Love. An interesting commodity, this thing we call love. It can’t be caught, bought, or sold. Yet, it is more sought after than anything else. Its value is immeasurable, exceeding the most precious of metals and jewels. However, it is something that each of us possess. Even though we cannot sell it, we can give it. To offer our love to another is perhaps the most exciting thing we can do. In loving we open ourselves up to be hurt, as well as, to reap joy beyond comprehension.
The Bible tells us that if we do not love, we do not know God, for He is love. Understand the concept being put forth. It is not in our being loved that we know God. Rather, it is in our loving others that we know God. He is our guiding principle in this matter. He loves us without our loving Him. It has been His eternal goal to love mankind with the deepest of all loves. His love has never been dependent upon reciprocation. Indeed, He loves us while we are yet His enemy. However, it is only in our loving Him that we can truly appreciate the fullness of His love.
Do you think it is unreasonable to assume the principle of Divine love is the same love we can enjoy as humans? Think about it. Can we not also love others who do not love us? Of course, we have the capacity to do so. We just don’t often choose to exercise that privilege. And yet, it is well within our power to choose to love anyone. When we make that choice, we must do so with commitment. Otherwise, our love would be weak and pretty useless. When we do make that commitment, we open ourselves up to heavenly treasures. You see, God does not do that which is foolish or without a purpose pleasing to Himself. Therefore, when we follow His example, committing to love as He does, we too are not acting foolishly or without a purpose. The pleasure is in doing, not necessarily in receiving. Although, it does seem to be a benefit of loving – that is, receiving. But, our loving should never depend upon getting it in return. We should, rather, relish in the opportunity to give that which God has so graciously given us.
The Bible tells us that if we do not love, we do not know God, for He is love. Understand the concept being put forth. It is not in our being loved that we know God. Rather, it is in our loving others that we know God. He is our guiding principle in this matter. He loves us without our loving Him. It has been His eternal goal to love mankind with the deepest of all loves. His love has never been dependent upon reciprocation. Indeed, He loves us while we are yet His enemy. However, it is only in our loving Him that we can truly appreciate the fullness of His love.
Do you think it is unreasonable to assume the principle of Divine love is the same love we can enjoy as humans? Think about it. Can we not also love others who do not love us? Of course, we have the capacity to do so. We just don’t often choose to exercise that privilege. And yet, it is well within our power to choose to love anyone. When we make that choice, we must do so with commitment. Otherwise, our love would be weak and pretty useless. When we do make that commitment, we open ourselves up to heavenly treasures. You see, God does not do that which is foolish or without a purpose pleasing to Himself. Therefore, when we follow His example, committing to love as He does, we too are not acting foolishly or without a purpose. The pleasure is in doing, not necessarily in receiving. Although, it does seem to be a benefit of loving – that is, receiving. But, our loving should never depend upon getting it in return. We should, rather, relish in the opportunity to give that which God has so graciously given us.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Why not God?
I have lived a blessed life, one full of success, joys and happiness. How many are able to say that after a childhood filled with poverty, tragedy and abuse? As I begin this journal filled with random thoughts I would like to first of all recognize the God who has lifted me and set me on the heights of glory that can only come from Him. There are those, known to me and unknown, who don’t believe. It is difficult for me to fully understand their unbelief. When I consider the miracle of life, the complexities of the universe, and the wonders of creation, it defies reason that anyone would willingly choose to not give credit where credit is due. There is only one explanation for enormity of all existence. That a supreme being would choose to set all of this in motion and then offer eternal life to those who believe is in the extreme. We should honor Him each and every day of our lives.
For those of us who believe, perhaps the question we should be asking non-believers is, "Why not God?" What could we possibly gain by not believing? What benefits are there in being without faith? For the life of me, I can find no good reason for not believing in God. However, the benefits of faith are too numerous to list. Can a non-believer say that about their lack of faith?
For those of us who believe, perhaps the question we should be asking non-believers is, "Why not God?" What could we possibly gain by not believing? What benefits are there in being without faith? For the life of me, I can find no good reason for not believing in God. However, the benefits of faith are too numerous to list. Can a non-believer say that about their lack of faith?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)