Jo is retired. She wishes I was but knows I can’t. There are two reasons for that. One practical. One not so.

The practical one is easy. I can’t afford it. I was never taught good money management skills. Ever.  There were times I would try. I would read Larry Burkett’s material (when he was alive) and vow to be a better manager. But I never did get rid of the almighty credit card. Change came in late 2004/early 2005 when I heard of and read Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I finally got serious and cut up all my credit cards and stopped living on credit. I finally paid off our whopping credit card debt in 2009. I took other steps but as time has moved on, I have strayed from the discipline needed to stay debt free (except for the house). I was there once. I still don’t use a credit card but do have credit which I am committing to paying off early.  I’m not trying to downgrade Jo but I haven’t had much help in that department.

The other is I like working. I can take it easy only so long. I get stir crazy sitting around. I love what I do. I love being a pastor. I love preaching. I love studying. I love being with people. The only thing I would want more time to do is cycle, but I think Jo might have something to say about that! 🙂

All that to say that Tripp’s devotion struck a nerve. Why do I work? Is it all about me? Do I reduce it all down to my wants, my needs, and my feelings? But it does raise a question: am I unwilling to retire because my identity is wrapped up in being a pastor? If I wasn’t doing that what else would I do? Would I be fulfilled doing something else? Or nothing at all? It’s going to take me some time to figure that one out.

“Father, I thank you for work. I thank you for a job I love and have never wanted to do anything else. But I pray that my identity is not wrapped up in my work. My identity is in You. Let my work be for your glory and your grace.”