Re-retired

Well, I have done it again. At the stroke of midnight, I re-retired from active ministry in a church setting. These past two months I have preached and lead worship at the church where we are now attending and where Bonnie has her membership: Harrisburg UMC (In case you wonder, I do not join a church, as my membership is in the Western NC Annual Conference).

These past nine weeks reminded me why I retired the first time around; while most meaningful and often joyful, ministry is also demanding and flat-out tiring, at times, especially when leading three services in one day, going to the hospital for visitation, and conducting funerals (I only had three during this period).

I will miss preaching, but it will be nice, for a change, to listen to and be fed by others. I think I will go to bed now.

Route 66

Chuck Berry took Nat King Cole's song "Route Sixty-Six" and gave us something to dance to in 1961, my senior year in high school. The song ended with these words: "Get your kicks on Route Sixty-Six."

Well, I turned 66 today and I am still getting my kicks through clean living and staying young in my mind. My body is trying to sing another song, but I keep nudging it and reminding myself how important it is to stay healthy in all ways: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Bonnie treated me like a king, Brett took me to lunch, Becca called from France, Heather called from work, Skip emailed me, and grandson Nate sang "Happy birthday" to me on the phone. Emails came from friends, and all in all, it was a wonderful day.

Bonnie and I worked in the yard preparing a new 4'x8' raised garden bed, I mowed the grass, and we took a walk around the community. Life is good.