Now What?

      Is it retired (as in tired all over again), retreaded (as in getting ready to go again), or as some have suggested, retarded! We may fit all of those, but we're going to go for "RETREADED". Yes, we're not one yet. There is more out there. As for Kingdom Work, we never retire.
     Why is it that we have the picture of old people sitting in rockers on a porch when we think of retirement? Or am I the only one who thinks that these days? We spent 36 years overseas with busy and exciting lives, raising our family in a small Indonesian town. And then moving and living in several other Asian countries. When retirement time came, it was a big change in lifestyle. But we were ready for it, feeling it was time.
     So why did I have such trouble adjusting? (Johnny didn't seem to have this problem). I'm thinking I was way too self-centered and self-focused to allow myself a smooth transition. We've been retired 3 years now, and I'm learning a few things for next time....as if I'll be retiring again sometime in this lifetime. So for my own benefit if not for anyone else's, I'm going to start listing some lessons I've been learning at this stage of life.
     1. When one first moves into one's new location, one may feel lonesome, not know anyone and feel useless, as opposed to their busy life of responsibilities before retirement. But remember this: you are not the only one who is new and needing to make new friends. Many people our ages (besides you) are moving to new areas and making new friends and finding their way. Lighten up. Explore. Enjoy your new surroundings. Get involved and you will soon have friends and a busy life.
     More thoughts later.....