Heb. 6:10 10 For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. (NRS)
The last time I wrote and published a musing was over four years ago. The previous and last musing was about retiring in the midst of Covid-19 and wondering what God was going to do with me next. I truly did not have a solid plan. I had been meeting for breakfast with my dear friend Pat, who did career counseling as a profession navigating her questions, insights, and challenges. Just as a plan was starting to develop, low and behold Covid. What now? We had not finished the plan and what we did accomplish remains idle in the cloud and on my computer.
In the meantime, I had been telling our friends and family I was going to retire. And while I try to do things well, I have come to realize by what happened next, I would be perpetually retiring and unretiring. The manta and response from friends and family now “we are not throwing anymore retirement parties – you STINK at retirement”! Honestly, I have to admit the truth, I really do stink at retirement.
In retrospect it did not take long for me to figure this out. During the first months of Covid one of my colleagues sent an e-mail needing someone to cover his Sunday services so he could attend his father’s funeral. Immediately I responded, he agreed, so I supplied for him. It had only been a few weeks after I had “officially” retired from my previous church. Then a call came from another colleague asking if I would supply for three months while he and his wife were on sabbatical. How could I refuse, I said yes, and with the affirmative answer and his Vestry (Board) for approval, and I started in August of 2020 as the Sabbatical Priest. All this occurred after May 1, 2020, when my retirement was, “quote, unquote”, official with Church Pension.
With nothing on the horizon, Tillie and I decided to spend some time at Disney Vacation Club. It was ideal. There were smaller numbers of people due to Covid. As we enjoyed some leisure time, we began to look at other adventures we might be able to plan. It was then a former seminary professor contacted me and asked about doing Interim work. The result, another unretirement that lasted 3 months. I traveled every week, 365 miles one way, leaving on a Wednesday or Thursday and returning after Sunday services. From January to Easter Sunday… Now it was finally time to retire!
Ah but not so fast. I was offered a part-time, 1 day a week, and 2 Sundays a month, back at Holy Trinity where I was the Sabbatical Priest. I would also provide additional support and responsibly when they were on vacation. An amazing part-time position until a year later when they announced their retirement, and I became the Priest-in-charge for 14 months. A long 14 months working 6 days a week, doing 5 service a week, Weds, Saturday evening and 3 Sunday services. After finding a New Priest, I promised I would support him through his first year of transition. Finally, another retirement and again short lived. Currently I have a contract as long-term supply which began mid-December to the end of June 2025 with an option to extend.
The question I am often asked and ask myself is “Why”? Why do I agree to these long-term and short-term contracts. The answer boils down to the one reason. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, and it does not majorly impact family life. We still can travel. We can still plan. We adjust our time when needed. We plan our travel, cruises, etc. which are still a part of our life and adventures.
I remember vividly what retired people when asked what their major advise is, they inevitably say keep active, do what you like, travel while you can, and enjoy life. Those who become sedentary die early or are unhappy. God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah “Jer. 1:5 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (NRS) This is what God says to all of us: He has a purpose that He has chosen for us. All of us have a purpose in life ordained by God.
I think that is true for anyone who retires the first time. You can find ways to remain active. You can volunteer, you can become active in community events, you can travel. Do what you enjoy and what invigorates and stimulates your mind.
I will know when it is truly time for me to retire. At that time I will hang up the shingle and stay active with other things. I will be able to look back and reminisce about the adventures and not look back with regrets wishing we had done that.
So, until then it will be Retire…Unretire… Retire…Unretire… Repeat.
The Rev. Dave Newhart 