Week 435

Positive Post Sunday, June 29, 2025…. Week 435.  In Positive Post Sunday, June 1, 2025… Week 431, I wrote about my recent retirement and referenced an excellent book I read titled, “Purposeful Retirement” by Hyrum W. Smith.  Since then, I have read two additional books that I have found to be excellent resources for those nearing the end of their careers or recently retired.  The wise person will read them regardless of where they are in their life and career journeys as it is never too early to plan for a meaningful future and eternal life, as we never know when our Lord will call us home!

The first book is a very thoughtful and spiritual book my granddaughter Nikole gave me as a retirement gift (thank you Nikole).  The book is titled, “Retirement Devotional, Biblical Wisdom for life after work” by Robert Laura.  I love the format, short chapters with Biblical references followed by a Daily Prayer and journaling with Questions for Reflection.  Those that know me know that I like to highlight sections in books to go back and reference.  I think I used an entire highlighter when reading this book😊.

There are two statements right in the Introduction that really resonated with me and my beliefs and faith. The first is, “… Life’s ultimate goal is getting into heaven…”, and the second is, “Transition your mindset from savings to salvation and ever-lasting life.”  Although our society portrays retirement as the ultimate goal, Laura reminds us that retirement is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God. 

Here’s an overview of the book found on the back cover: The “Good News” about life after work is that the Bible is full of great teachings that are as relevant to retirement today as they were to everyday life thousands of years ago.

This is an inspiring and engaging journey that shifts the retirement planning focus and conversation from the traditional dollars and cents to eternal and everlasting intent. Blaze a new, God-centered path for your next phase of life with a retirement devotional that:

• Fosters a God-center transition for deeper meaning and fulfillment
• Positions you to use your spiritual gifts for greater impact and legacy
• Strengthens your relationship with the Lord through daily prayers
• Breaks old and outdated chains that can hold people back in retirement
• Helps you avoid common traps and pitfalls

Reality is, the mainstream world portrays retirement as life’s ultimate goal, but it’s not. Getting into heaven is! That’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked and needs to be planned for as you make your transition from work life to home life.

The second book was a recommendation from Janice Rutherford (thank you Janice).  The book is titled, “From Strength to Strength, Finding success, happiness and deep purpose in the second half of life” by Arther C. Brooks.  Although this book is not specifically about retirement, I find the focus on the second half of life (which includes the retirement years) very relevant to me at this time in my life. I can certainly relate to the “success addict”.  I really wish I read this book 10 years ago, unfortunately it was published only a few years ago in 2022.

As noted in the overview of this book, it provides a thoughtful and thorough roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age.

Many of us assume that the more successful we are, the less susceptible we become to the sense of professional and social irrelevance that often accompanies aging. But the truth is, the greater our achievements and our attachment to them, the more we notice our decline, and the more painful it is when it occurs.

Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks shows us that true life success is well within our reach. By refocusing on certain priorities and habits that anyone can learn, such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress, we can set ourselves up for increased happiness.

Here are some of my takeaways from this book (read the book and you will understand):

• I have been a “striver” throughout my career, and I now have the opportunity to share wisdom and knowledge
• How many Thanksgivings do you have left?
• Religious and spiritual adults are generally happier and suffer less depression
• Religion and spirituality are also linked to better physical health
• Like Brooks’ wife Ester, Michele is my guru
• Practicing faith requires time and effort
• I love going on “gratitude walks”
• The secret of going from Strength to Strength is recognizing your weakness/decline can be a gift to others
• Become a “modern elder”; evolve from a fixed to growth mindset, learn openness to new things, collaborate with teams, and counsel others.
• Money, power, pleasure and prestige will not make you happy or satisfied, especially as we age
• Love is at the epicenter of our happiness
• Shift from, “If it feels good, do it” to St. Augustine’s secret to a good life, “Love and do what you will”
• Seven words to remember: Use things, Love people, Worship the Devine

How are you living a life that brings you closer to God, transitioning your mindset from savings to salvation and ever-lasting life?

If you are in the second half of your life, how are you making adjustments to find success, happiness and purpose in your life? If you are younger, what are you doing now to prepare for life after worldly success to make your later years meaningful?