One of the crazy things about being retired is keeping up with what day of the week it is. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought it was one day but it was another. I often discover it when I want to go to a certain place only to find it closed. “Oh, it’s Monday!” Holidays sneak up on me, too. I don’t get them off because I’m not working.
It’s been a huge adjustment. I miss the camaraderie of working with my colleagues, having something productive to do, and the paycheck that I was accustomed to receiving. I have had to reevaluate my sense of self worth and value. Don’t misunderstand… I’m not getting down on myself, but I loved my two careers. I felt a great sense of pride in serving my country and I believe I did my best to contribute to the mission and success of those organizations. Now all that has come to a conclusion.
Sometimes I feel like Caleb and want to suit up and go to battle again. As a former Marine I like to say, “Not as lean, not as mean, but still a United States Marine!” I am truly blessed and thankful for the careers that God opened the doors for me to serve in for 40 years. They allowed me to provide for my family and the ability to enjoy our time with our kids and grandkids. He has been so faithful and true for all these years!
Joshua 14:10-11 (NLT) - “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.”