looking back.
looking forward.
The first three years of our “retirement” have certainly exceeded expectation. In 2015, Deb and I joined a mobile ministry whose ecumenical focus is service to a country-wide selection of faith-based organizations (read about the SOWER ministry under the SERVICE and ABOUT tabs of this website). We were blessed by the ministry as we got to serve at some very impactful ministries (many we had never before heard about). Not only did we get to meet some amazing Brothers and Sisters through the ministry, and not only did we get to participate in both big and small ways with Christian leadership who are accomplishing mighty Kingdom work, but we also got to experience some of God’s most impressive creation – the United States is absolutely full of beautiful wonderment.
| It was a matter for prayer. For three years we had been on-the-road for most of each year. Each Fall we would find a warm place in Texas, or hunker-down at “Base Camp” (a small place we had purchased near Livingston, Texas) to ride out the winter; we knew we would be back in the ministry and on-the-road as soon as the weather warmed. In our third year, however, we became sensitive to an inner nudging to be off-the-road and more available to serve in our adopted hometown in Texas. |  |
To Deb and me, the concept of retirement is anomalous. We like to keep busy, so a cushiony life of shuffleboard, badminton, and Saturday pot lucks at the Seniors' Recreation Center was not in the cards. Nowhere is retirement mentioned in the Bible, and there are endless studies that conclude a sedentary and leisurely season of retirement can be hazardous to your health. <SO BORING!>
And then there is the acknowledgement and deep desire to use our gifts by grace – given uniquely to each of us for the fulfillment of God’s Plan. For Ken, his gifts are in business management and carpentry. He's a fixer -- a change agent -- he enjoys the challenge of making something better from whatever resource is placed in front of him.
As we served at ministries across the country, Ken often got to use his carpentry skills. But his longing to “get back in the game” kept him interested in organizational dynamics and turnarounds. It was not unusual for him to discuss operational strategy with local ministry leadership as we traveled. And it was conspicuous by the pile of books on his nightstand in Faith (our home on wheels) that he was still interested in business.
As we served at ministries across the country, Ken often got to use his carpentry skills. But his longing to “get back in the game” kept him interested in organizational dynamics and turnarounds. It was not unusual for him to discuss operational strategy with local ministry leadership as we traveled. And it was conspicuous by the pile of books on his nightstand in Faith (our home on wheels) that he was still interested in business.
In October 2018, routinely, we returned to Base Camp. A couple of weeks later, a friend from church approached Ken with a question. He was a Board Member for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. His question would lead to answered prayer. He asked Ken if he would be interested in a position with the local 'Habitat' organization.
It was a handful of breakfast and lunch conversations later that Ken received an offer to become Habitat for Humanity's newest Executive Director. Remarkably, but not surprising, it was a position that would allow him to apply his gifts of business leadership with his skills in carpentry. He accepted the offer and joined the 'Habitat' team in November.
Deb is still settling-in at Base Camp. But she, too, feels the call to serve in the Livingston area. While, for now, we feel like this is where the Lord wants us, we recognize that there is great need nationwide and that our awesome God can (and will) move us anywhere He needs. It’s a marvelous feeling to be affirmed that way -- and to know that your “retirement” is in the Lord’s will. It is also quite validating to know that you have not really retired, but have just moved closer to understanding His Purpose for you on earth.
VISITORS FROM THE NORTH!
| | [Ken and Deb 03/29/2019] It is always fun when family comes to visit. But when a very special granddaughter comes to Base Camp, it is doubly-exciting! We met Mallory, Devin, and Ellie in Houston and drove right to Galveston Island. It was a little bit chilly, but we had fun on a walking tour of the historic Strand and pier. There were lots of ships, oil derricks, and <oddly> a very nice railroad museum. At one time, Galveston was the headquarters of the Santa Fe Railroad! |
| As the day warmed up, we made it to the east side of the island and to the white-sand beach, of course. It turned into a nice, blue-sky day. Both Ellie and Gadget are BIG fans of the beach! And on this Spring weekday, we had just about the whole thing to ourselves. After a couple hours of ball-chasing, surf-wading, and hole-digging, we decided to pack up. There were a lot of fun, sandy holes (and a little bit of sunburn) when we left! | After crossing expansive Galveston Bay on a ferryboat, we drove through deep east Texas back to our Base Camp in Livingston. Base Camp is situated with a nice-sized yard, and Elllie and Gadget both enjoyed chasing each other all around it. Ellie even ventured into the neighboring woods -- alone! We spent some time in the woodshop, had a campfire, saw the Lake, and toured the town and neighborhood a bit. Ellie helped drive the golf cart, "I'm doing it, I'm doing it," she said. But mostly it was just a relaxing, fun time of visiting! |
