Skip to main content

Posts

Aging with Wisdom and Preparation

Most retirees eventually discover that aging is no longer an abstract concept. A parent begins to struggle with memory. A spouse experiences a health setback. A friend moves into assisted living. Or perhaps we begin noticing changes in ourselves. These experiences remind us that while we cannot predict the future, we can prepare for it. That reality formed the basis of a recent discussion in our Retired Guys Group, where we explored how thoughtful preparation can help us navigate the cognitive, physical, financial, and spiritual challenges that often accompany aging. The conversation was not driven by fear or pessimism. Rather, it was rooted in wisdom. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (NIV) Preparing for the future is not a lack of faith; it is an act of stewardship. Although none of us knows what lies ahead, thoughtful planning can help preserve dignity, ease burdens on loved ones, and provide peace ...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Making the Most of Your Giving in Retirement

A Look at Qualified Charitable Distributions and Donor-Advised Funds At a recent meeting, our group had a thoughtful discussion about generosity and charitable giving in retirement. The scripture we reviewed comes from 1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV, which in part notes, we “are to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” We then explored practical methods to practice generosity through two tools: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). Both offer ways to give more intentionally and, in many cases, more effectively. However, they function differently, and understanding how each fits into your situation can greatly influence not only your taxes but also your approach to generosity at this stage of life. What follows is a straightforward overview of both options, along with some practical insights from our group’s experience. Giving Directly from Your IRA: Qualified Charitable Distributions For those of us in our early 70s, Qualified...
Post a Comment
Read more

Relating Well to Our Adult Children

  One of life’s great joys is watching our children grow into adults. This also brings the challenge of learning how to relate to them once they reach that stage. Parenting adult children is very different from parenting minors. The authority we once held no longer fits the relationship. Some families enjoy close, easy connections characterized by mutual respect and shared faith. Others experience distance, tension, regrets, or unresolved hurt. Many of us go through both. The good news is that Scripture provides a realistic and hopeful framework for navigating these relationships, one rooted in humility, grace, wisdom, and trust in God’s ongoing work. As Paul reminds us: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18, ESV) That verse recognizes both our responsibility and our limits. We can't control outcomes, but we can choose how we show up. From Authority to Influence One of the most significant shifts we encounter is transitionin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finding Beauty in Life’s Upheavals: Reflections from The Weathering Grace of God

  Retirement provides us with a rare chance to pause, reflect, and consider the patterns of our lives—the successes, the setbacks, and the quiet work of God in all of it. Recently, our group of retired men benefited from a book report on The Weathering Grace of God: The Beauty God Brings from Life's Upheavals by Ken Gire, a book that uses the Rocky Mountains as a metaphor for life's upheavals and God's grace that transforms them. Gire reminds us that even the most frightening and confusing circumstances can, over time, be shaped into something beautiful. Gire’s insight begins with a simple but profound idea: life’s upheavals—whether death, disease, or disappointment—are like storms in the mountains. The bedrock of our certainties may shake. We feel lost, afraid, even abandoned. “We feel our way in the dark. Until we find each other. We huddle together in the storm. Wet and shivering, but together. And maybe in the end it will be our huddling in the storm that gives us mor...
Post a Comment
Read more

Living with Purpose in Retirement: Balancing Key Areas of Life

  As we journey through retirement, we, as Christian men, are called to recalibrate our time, relationships, finances, purpose, and spiritual life. This new stage of life provides an opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to live a fulfilling life and how we can continue to serve God and others with intention and joy. While each of us may have different visions of what a balanced retirement looks like, we share the common goal of living fully for God’s glory. We hold fast to His promise: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4). To help guide our reflections, here are seven key areas to consider as we seek a fulfilling, purposeful, and balanced retirement: 1. Social & Family Relationships Strong social and family connections are essential for our emotional well-being. They provide support, joy, and companionship as we face the challenges ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finding Your Calling in Retirement

What does "calling" mean when the 9-to-5 is behind us? At a recent meeting of our retired men’s group, we explored this critical and sometimes challenging question: What is our calling in retirement? For much of our lives, our calling may have been closely tied to our careers. But when our job titles retire along with us, our sense of purpose doesn’t—and shouldn’t—go with them. Instead, retirement offers a unique opportunity to revisit and redefine our calling for this new stage of life. Four Questions to Discern Your Retirement Calling A helpful framework presented in our session centered on four questions—developed initially to guide vocational choices—but equally applicable as we reflect on our next chapter: What does the world need? Retirement doesn’t mean retreat. There are still needs all around us—family members, neighbors, church, nonprofits—places where our presence, wisdom, and availability can make a difference. What do you ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rethinking the Role of Grandparents

Many things shape our understanding of grandparenting—our grandparents, popular culture, and hopefully, the Bible. Scripture challenges us to move beyond cultural expectations and embrace a higher calling. Dr. Mulvihill outlines four essential roles for Christian grandparents: Encouraging Voice – A cheerleader who offers kind words and spiritual support. Supportive Parent – A steady helping hand for our adult children as they raise their families. Loving Friend – A trusted companion who listens with compassion. Disciple-Maker – A mentor in the faith who intentionally helps grandchildren know and follow Christ. We must ask: How am I helping my grandchildren grow in Christ? What goals am I setting as a spiritual guide? Rejecting Cultural Messages Modern culture sends grandparents three harmful messages: Live independently of your family. You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to focus on yourself. Just have fun with your grand...
Post a Comment
Read more