Life Goes On

Hard to believe, but this month it will be fifteen years since I retired from the faculty of Southwestern Baptist Seminary.  At that time, I declared that I was retiring from a position, not from a calling.  Since then, I have served eight churches as Interim Pastor, made at least three dozen trips to metro Vancouver to lead Vision Tours and mentor younger ministers, written six books, co-authored one, and compiled two. I also retired saying I planned to watch more ball games and play more golf.  The time spent in the sun at ballgames resulted in eight skin cancer surgeries and the golf caused multiple trips to spine specialists.  Too much Mexican food and Bar B.Q. caused the removal of my gall bladder, and a few more physical issues not worth mentioning.  At the age of eighty, I accepted a new job as Administrative Consultant for the Valley Baptist Missions Education Center.  All in all, it’s been an exciting, challenging, chapter in my life’s story.  I’ve got four quotes stuck on the bookshelf in my home office. (1) “It’s a mere moment in a man’s life between an All-Star Game and an Old-Timers Game.”  Vin Scully. My response: There are days I’m glad when it’s my time to bat and other days when I feel like I’m playing extra innings.  (2) “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”  Satchel Paige.  My answer: It all depends on how I feel when I wake up in the morning. (3) “How did it get so late so soon?  Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June.  My goodness how the time has flewn.  How did it get so late so soon?”  Dr. Seuss. (4) “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” Psalm 71:18. A doctor told me it was time to listen to my body and slow down.  I’ve been trying to do just that.  When I shared that with my cousin, Vicki, who has known me about as long as anyone still living, her reply was, “I’m not surprised that your Dr. said that.  I am surprised that you are listening to him.” So, the beat goes on . . .  and so does life.  Batter up!