Last Friday (29May2015) was my (Tim’s) last official day of working (and getting paid for it). They call it retirement. I’m starting to wonder where that word came from. “re-tired” – does that mean tired all over again? That’s how I’m starting to feel. Working on the barn, putting up fence, working with the horses, plowing my way thru a 700 page code book (acting as my own general contractor, I have to understand all the code requirements), getting permits, meeting with subcontractors to get estimates, building a duck brooder, making plans to build a duck house, helping a neighbor dig up and repair a water leak that was flooding his house, helping another neighbor unload a semi full of metal roofing, fixing a flat for a young lady passing by our property, the list goes on. It seems like I’m busier than I have ever been. And, I’m definitely tired!
But, it’s a good tired. We get to enjoy God’s handwork all around us while we’re working, we’re developing good relationships with neighbors, and I have even lost a little weight.
By the way, retire has a French origin and it means to “withdraw (to a place of safety or seclusion)”. When you look at it that way, it makes more sense. We have withdrawn to a place of seclusion (and beauty). But, we didn’t do this to become hermits. We did it because our Father led us here. We still have much to learn about His Kingdom and for some reason He brought us here to continue our “training”. We fully expect to find ways to serve people here, even though it seems like we’re out in the “boonies”.
The barn is coming along nicely. I’m not completely done with the metal siding yet, but it’s taking shape.
And we frequently get visits from our “wild” neighbors.
So far, retirement is hard work, and yet, relaxing and refreshing. For any of my former coworkers reading this, if you are wondering if I miss my job, take a guess 🙂 .