Page 53 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2023 - Online Magazine

FAMILY FOCUS

Marilyn with mentoring group
Mr. Sam (I am)'s pen pal, Harper Sam and Harper Ashley and Stephanie

finally slowed—I’m down from a Type A to an A-). I
travel at every opportunity. It is, finally, my time, my
choices, a life reflecting my heart. What satisfaction
there is in giving myself away, being poured out for
others whom I love (and some I love a little less).
For me, that is REAL retirement. My mother, who
taught her Sunday School class until she was 96 and
lived to 102, often told my brothers and me, “There
is no retirement in the Kingdom [of God]!” We all
took her at her word and believed her maxim, and
now at ages 80, 77, and 74, we are all still actively
engaged in ministry—to and with family, friends,
and beyond.
I’m presently visiting and babysitting my little, FUEL & STORAGE
front-toothless, six-year-old granddaughter. Today,
I helped her write a letter to her pen pal, a 78-year-
old gentleman and friend of her parents. When Mr. 6 CONVENIENT FUEL
Sam needed some surgery, he asked Harper to color
a picture for him to cheer him up in the hospital. LOCATIONS IN LUBBOCK
(He knew little Harper from meeting her at the
country club.) She sent him the picture with a “get
well” message. That was followed back by a book STORAGE: 7314 82nd STREET
and stuffy from him for her birthday; it was The Cat
in the Hat, starring another Mr. Sam-(I-am). Harper
and Mr. Sam are now pen pals. He always includes
a self-addressed, stamped envelope. What a sweet
contribution he is making to a little girl!

If you are lonely or bored, feeling despondent
or hopeless—the Biblical prescription is simply BOLTON
to “Give yourself away.” There is no greater
discouragement than self-centeredness; there is no
greater joy than selflessness. Retirement is OUR
“now”—our precious time—to be able to touch the
lives of others with more wisdom and intention
than ever before. Once you begin, opportunities will
increase exponentially, and before you know it, your
cup will overflow with love and joy and activity—
and boredom will be just another silly idea.

Lubbock Senior Link 53