I gave quite a bit of thought to how I might apply myself to life after I retired. Mind you, I didn’t die on that retirement day, only moved into a new phase. If not death then, a passing of sorts took place. A door closed and a new one opened.
I had a business card made up many years ago with a red barn on the plains. Added to this serene picture were a phone number, an email, and two words, Pastor/Writer.
I had no idea many years ago when I designed that card that I actually retire one day and still do what I did for so many years; write messages of encouragement and encourage people in their day to day living pastorally. The beat goes on it seems.
I don’t know when I realized I was a writer but it had a lot to do with studying and writing a weekly sermon. There were other writing activities as well, but my most important writing was that of the pulpit sermon. As you can tell, I’ve continued that is this social media form somehat, allthough I quote scripture less and offer more gentle direction than I often did in the sermon.
And to continue the pastoral work I simply decided to turn over my daily rountines to trying to let Jesus have His way with me and by extension, those I come across each day. Practicing His Presence you could say.
So my business card still works to identify me missionally and purposefully. I apply it every day. I do not worry as to the quality or quantity of the application because that is in His hands. He orders my steps and prepares me to take them. As always, I wish I could have done better or done more, but I finish almost every day feeling well applied.
What will your business card look like at 65 or 75? I suggest you give it some thought.
