John is an intelligent man.
When my Dad died exactly one year ago today, not only did I lose my father…
…but John also lost his best friend.
After teaching history together for over thirty years, John and my Dad shared lunch every week for an additional twenty years during their retirement. Theirs was a special relationship between two special men that spanned more than 50 years. By a twist of fate, my Sister and I were there when they shared their last meal together.
It was a special moment, even more so than we knew at the time.
I suspect the death of his friend made him think, as these things often do…
- …about his mortality.
- …about his limited days remaining to impact this world.
- …about his vitality, lost.
It’s important to know that John is a thinking man. On rare occasions, I am fortunate to have him share some of those thoughts with me. He recently shared some insightful thoughts that caused me to stop.
To think.
As I thought about the words John had shared, I knew I had to write this post. I also knew I had to publish these words on February 22nd, the one-year anniversary of my Dad’s death.
I’ve been more reflective than usual these past few weeks. Perhaps it’s due to the approaching anniversary of my Dad’s passing. Perhaps it’s due to the words John shared. Perhaps it’s just two best friends colluding to share a message that needs to be heard. Regardless, I’ve been philosophical, and this post reflects that thinking. If you prefer the more tactical articles about retirement, come on back next time. Today, we’re taking a different approach out of respect for my Dad and his best friend. Today, we’re going deep, and I make no apologies.
These words are for those who like to be challenged to think.
These are words triggered by the thoughts of a man as he confronts his mortality.
Thoughts about Vitality, Lost.
From my Dad’s best friend.
What does an aging man think about as he loses his vitality? Today, a rare insight into an intelligent mind. Thoughts on the things that matter. Click To Tweet
Vitality, Lost
Vitality is one of those things easily taken for granted until it’s gone. Once gone, it’s one of the things you most desire. More than money. More than material things. Losing your vitality is one of those milestones that makes you reevaluate your priorities.
Never take vitality for granted, it’s a gift that can be taken away in a moment.
I do everything I can to maintain my vitality, as do many of you. We exercise, we try to eat right, and we try to get the right amount of sleep. I’m proud to say as I approach my 60th birthday that I’m in the best shape of my life.
But, try as we might, the sad reality is a day will come when we’ll all lose our vitality.
On that day, our priorities will become crystal clear.
The Words of a Thinking Man
The fleeting nature of vitality is a good reminder for all of us, and I thank John for sharing his thoughts. His words are too valuable to keep “hidden” in a long stream of comments, so I’ve decided to highlight them today, along with some thoughts of my own which were triggered by John’s words.
It all started when John wrote the following comment on my recent post, 7 Secrets To A Great Retirement:
Fine post, Fritz. May I add two comments?
1) An eighth principle (actually it should be number 1) is, “Work hard on your spiritual life.”
2) You are four years into retirement, and still are six or so years younger than when most of us retire. When I was your age I had your energy, but no matter how well one follows the seven (or eight) principles of a good retirement there comes deterioration of health and loss of various aspects of vitality. Sooner or later there is you and God; and even before then there are times when you will wonder “what good am I” compared with more vital days. The only answer is that, as the novelist Thornton Wilder titled his wonderful “depression” book in the 1930s, “Heaven’s My Destination.”
I read John’s comment four times before I wrote the following response:
John, what an amazing and inspirational comment from my Dad’s best friend. Of course, focusing on our spiritual life is the most important “secret” during our time on earth and I appreciate you so eloquently reminding us all of its importance.
Your comment on “Lost Vitality” has triggered a lot of thoughts in my ever-active mind, in fact, I just saved a draft article with that title. It’s an important reminder for all of us to remember while we still have “vigor,” and our days for making a real impact in this world are unavoidably numbered.
My dad was a wise man, and chose his friends carefully. Your mutual friendship was an inspiration to me throughout my life and a shining example of my Dad’s wisdom. Thank you for your friendship with my Dad, and thank you for your friendship with me. I’ve always respected you, and now my readers get a small glimpse into the man who has earned that respect.
As I said, John is an intelligent man.
One mark of intelligence, in my opinion, is when a man’s words linger in your mind long after they’re written. John’s words have occupied my mind for weeks. Intelligent words cause you to stop.
To think.
Below, I’ll share the thoughts I’ve had in the weeks since I first read John’s comments.
“Work Hard On Your Spiritual Life”
1) An eight principle (actually is should be number 1) is “Work hard on your spiritual life.”
I’m convinced that there are certain realities that are hard for our human minds to grasp. Things that we will always struggle to comprehend. Things that are beyond our understanding and can only be believed through faith.
Things like…
…The Infinity of Space: It’s hard enough to grasp the size of our solar system, let alone our Milky Way galaxy. Beyond comprehension, however, is the fact that ours is only one of an infinite number of galaxies, spanning an infinite amount of space. A space without end. Our human minds demand an end to things and struggle with the concept of a universe without boundaries. And yet, what is the alternative? A huge plexiglass bubble that somehow holds the boundaries of the whole thing together? That’s harder to grasp than the concept of infinity itself.
…The Eternity of Time: Imagine a rope that wraps endlessly around the globe. You hold the end of the rope in your hand and notice a small piece of red tape on the very end of the rope. That tape represents our time on this earth as viewed from the perspective of eternity.
Between that tape and the eternity of that rope is a small gateway through which we all must pass. The gateway of death is an unavoidable reality for all of us. Like the loss of vitality, our priorities will become crystal clear when we pass through that gateway. Unfortunately, it will be too late to change that which has been done. The priorities we’ve chosen during our life will have eternal consequences.
“Work Hard On Your Spiritual Life,” indeed.
As hard as it is to grasp, our time spent in eternity far outweighs our time on earth (perhaps the largest understatement I’ve ever written). Time without end. Beyond our ability to understand, but something I believe to be true. All of the world’s major religions address beliefs about the afterlife. As a Christian, I have my own views, and I strongly encourage you to develop views of your own.
As important as achieving a successful retirement is, it pales in comparison.
Looking through the lens of eternity has a way of causing you to re-evaluate your priorities. John is viewing things from the proper perspective, and his advice is something we should all take to heart.
John is an intelligent man.
You Will Wonder “What Good Am I” Compared With More Vital Days
Let’s revisit the context of John’s comment which featured the quote shown above:
When I was your age I had your energy, but no matter how well one follows the seven (or eight) principles of a good retirement there comes deterioration of health and loss of various aspects of vitality. Sooner or later there is you and God; and even before then there are times when you will wonder “what good am I” compared with more vital days.
Ponder that last sentence for a moment.
“Sooner or later there is you and God; and even before then there are times when you will wonder “what good am I” compared with more vital days.”
It’s a powerful sentence and the one that has stuck with me more than any other from John’s comment.
Honest, raw, and powerful.
It’s a rare insight into the innermost thoughts of an aging man. A man who is a realist, and knows his days of making a real impact on this earth are waning. A man who knows he’ll soon meet his Maker. It is, likely, a thought many of us will have when we approach those years of…
Vitality, Lost.
It is the sentence that led to the title of today’s post.
I applaud John for his transparency and courage. John, rest assured it is through writing like this that you ARE still making an impact in this world…
- …On this writer.
- …On this audience.
Of course, you are correct. There will come a time when our days of making an impact on this world will be over. There will come a time when there is only “you and God.”
Our days are far more limited than we choose to believe.
Make an impact while you still can, and choose your priorities carefully.
“Heaven’s My Destination
“The only answer is that, as the novelist Thornton Wilder titled his wonderful “depression” book in the 1930s, “Heaven’s My Destination.”
Citing a book title as his closing statement is an example of John’s brilliance. I’ve never read Thronton Wilder’s book, but I just clicked over to Amazon and ordered it as I wrote these words. I’ll think of John and his comment every time I pick that book up in the future.
Clearly, however, John wasn’t making a book recommendation. Rather, he was making a statement.
John has taken the time to think about what really matters. He’s viewed his life as that small piece of red tape and knows the reality of the eternal rope before him. He knows his priorities, and he’s taken the steps required in his spiritual life to prepare for the future.
His best friend did the same.
In my Dad’s final days, my sister and I had a conversation with him that I’ll remember forever. It’s too personal to share here, but I rest assured in knowing my Dad is in heaven.
He’ll be waiting for you when you arrive, John.
I suspect you’ll share more meals around a table in the days to come. In fact, I look forward to joining you there myself. I hope you don’t mind if I extend an invitation to all of my readers to join us.
Heaven’s my destination. Is it yours?
It’s a decision that only you can make.
Make it wisely.
Conclusion
Whether we care to admit it or not, there will come a day when we’ll all lose our vitality.
There will come a day when every one of us will die.
As you focus on the things that matter during your limited time on earth, never lose sight of the importance of the spiritual priorities in your life. It’s not morbid, it’s reality. It deserves some attention as you seek to live your best possible life today, and tomorrow.
A year after his death, I have confidence in knowing it was a priority in my Dad’s life. And, thanks to his words, you now know it’s a priority for John. I applaud his courage in sharing his thoughts.
I appreciate your understanding of my decision to share mine.
Hopefully, these words will cause you to stop.
To think.
Your Turn: Thanks in advance for your patience as I tread on the “thin ice” of religion in today’s post. It’s a risky move in today’s divisive culture, but a move I felt led to make on the anniversary of my Dad’s passing. So, I’ll ask the same of you. Do you give priority to the Spiritual aspects of life? Let’s chat in the comments…
Thank you for writing this. It gave me hope in the week that my spouse’s younger brother was diagnosed with ALS at age 58. It was a shock, but we know our lives are not about ourselves. My brother in law is a man of deep faith and will not walk this road alone.
I lost a close friend, mentor, and trusted fellow worker two years ago from ALS. He was diagnosed only about 18 months before he passed. I was fortunate to go visit him only two weeks before he passed, and although he was in a wheelchair, neither of us thought it would be the last time we saw each other. We spent a good five hours together talking about all of the good times we had, the shenanigans that happened over those years. We had several business/vacation trips together that were so much fun. I still miss him to this day. He was such a character. He opened one of our sales meetings dressed as Elvis, driving up in stage in the auditorium on a Harley Davidson, that he would later give away to the manager with the highest sales for the year. That is the Vitality, he had, which I remember which was taken away by ALS.
Excellent post, Fritz. One of your best! Although, I recently retired at 61 (my Father had passed away at 61). It causes me to reflect on the “final” chapter and having a final destination of Heaven gives me both peace and a bit of fearfulness of the unknown. Yes – I have faith in my my Christian beliefs but the grasping of truly understanding living in eternity is beyond my feeble mind’s understanding. At any rate, great tribute to your Father and the wisdom of his best friend. I will share this with my 2 sons. Mike
My mother passed away from ALS at 62. We found that the MS and MDA organizations were the most helpful. This was 15 years ago and support has grown but thought I would throw that out there.
Fritz…
May I offer another angle at viewing of “Vitality”?
Life has latched on this earth 4 billion years ago, and the “Vitality” has not been lost. Not even at a smallest measurement from the best of modern science can offer. It transforms and grows in the mass of humanity.
At the family unit level, your father “Vitality” is connected with you and it grows beyond his death. I am guessing that he has this knowledge long before his last moment.
Now, your tree of life is connected with your daughter, your grandchildren and the part of humanity that you are interested.
So here comes the enigma, what is your game plan for the passing on the ever-growing “Vitality” your father has passed on to you?
Thank you for this wonderful perspective. We all have a legacy that we will leave, and additionally we have the opportunity to leave our mark in so many wonderful ways. Our siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews that can all become an integral part of our legacy.
In additions, the charities we support and the differences we make every day can all keep our “legacy flame” ignited eternally if we do our job properly during this short time on earth!
Well done, Fritz. It’s amazing what we can can learn from the wisdom of our elders. May your father know eternal peace.
Thank you for these words.
Wonderful post. We so often ignore the wisdom of elders until they come out and remind us that the most important things in life are often left unsaid. I’m glad that your Dad’s friend had the courage to speak up about the importance of spiritual wellness.
Hi Fritz,
I am a casual lurker here. I am not religious. I appreciate you sharing John’s comments here. They serve as a good reminder in this hectic world of what really matters. Thank you.
Fritz,
Thank You! Enough said.
Loved this post! Thank you. I am retired nearly two years (worked for many many years) and the spiritual journey is my most important path. I can see the changes in my energy level although I exercise nearly every day. The inner work is what this stage of life is about.
Brother Fritz:
I will say this is a “best post” ! All of the earthly planning for “retirement” doesn’t matter if we don’t have heaven as our destination. A man I have listened to for many years once said when asked about his own retirement , “To retire is to expire.” He planned on spreading the Gospel for more years to come. That man has since retired from his position as Sr. Pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta. His actual health and status of life today, I do not know. However, just this past Sunday a recorded sermon titled, “Call to Prayer” was one of huge impact for me!
That time with “you and God”, we need to do it every day!
Your reflection on the 1 year anniversary of your dad’s death never stops. I am approaching 29 years and I can still here him telling me to “always strive to be “humble.” Funny, that message from this past Sunday, first thing is to “humble” ourselves before God in prayer!
Vitality… funny, just the other evening at a dog park in the southwestern part of our great country where kids softball and baseball are played during these months, I watched kids throwing baseballs from the outside edge o f the infield to the catcher. My shoulder doesn’t allow me to throw much more than 30ft. Congrats on that lake swim !!
Great post… “we’ll done good and faithful servant.”
Well, Fritz….you did it again. Many of your articles have brought tears to my eyes…this one is thought provoking….I think many people wander through life without giving seriously deep thought about their faith/afterlife. I agree with him. When you get close to death….it is only you and God/faith. How you deal with those thoughts of your afterlife is up to you. I also believe in Heaven….and there are times I ponder if I am good enough for entrance to His forever home. I believe most do….and you don’t 100% know until you die. I am thinking of reading this post to June, my Hospice friend I visit today.
BTW….tell Jackie to keep on giving her talents freely! I really enjoyed her thank you note to us regarding FIDO. God bless you both for what you do.
Steve
I used to ponder if I was good enough as well Steve, and finally came to the realization that I would always fall short and can never live a life on my own that would make me worthy of entry to heaven. I found the Way to everlasting life though, and while thoughts do still creep in to tell me I’m not worthy, I remember that I have a Mediator who has already saved me. A journey for everyone to embark on their own, but the rewards will transcend their time on earth.
Thanks for sharing Fritz. Your dad obviously left you a great legacy. I know that our God who spoke the heavens into existence so I know I can trust him with my eternal salvation. I hope all your readers know or come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Reminder re the heavens: our sun is one star in our galaxy and scientists estimate that there are another 3200 stars with their own planets. The folks using the Hubble space telescope have found 125 billion galaxies in the observable universe
A wise friend used to tell me that it was what we became in this life that mattered more than what we did (accomplishments). Even as our vitality fades, we can be about the business of becoming more.
Amen brother!
Heaven is our destination, Heaven is our home !
Great article and thank you for sharing these thought provoking words. I lost my Dad suddenly 5 years ago as of last week. I retired 3 years after his passing and my spiritual life has grown tremendously since then. I daily read the Bible he used and many times I come across verses he highlighted. It makes me stop and ponder what he was thinking about when he marked the verses. I find myself thinking much more than ever in retirement and after my fathers passing. Thanks again for sharing this post.
Amen! Sobering thoughts for sure!
I probably should do it more, but commenting on posts is not something I do. However, this post so gripped me that I must! Thank you Fritz for the work you do and the contributions you make not only to this community, but to those in proximity to you thru Freedom for Fido! I’m 55 and will be fully retired at the end of this March after a 35 year career with Mondelez International (Nabisco). My wife and I talk about what our purpose in retirement will be daily. The “spiritual” aspect of it weighs the heaviest and we try to hear His voice and follow in the steps He would have for us. I so agree with John and you that THE decision we make in this life about our eternity is the MOST important. There is an old saying : “you’re never more like God than when you give”. So…for us, we will strive to make that the driving force and motivation in all our decisions. We pray for the vitality to accomplish that as we seek His plan for our life!
Fritz: Two words friend……..Well Done!
Thank You for an inspiring post and sharing John’s and your fathers love for one another.
Beautiful Fritz. Beautiful. Words fail me right now, as the raw emotion is so intense. I love you. Dad loves you. God loves you.
Awesome Post ! I just ordered the book also.
Fritz. You have such a great insight into life. Many times, especially lately, I feel my vitality is waning and this really gets to me. It is so hard to be as active as I want to be and contribute all that I want to contribute. You have helped me today by writing this. Need to read it several more times and let the wisdom of your father, his friend, and you sink in. I am so very thankful for that special day at Dunkin Donuts that you and sweet Miss Jackie came into my life. Love you guys. ♥️♥️
I struggle with being able to articulate my reaction to this post. Probably one of the most thought provoking things I have read in some time.
In time I will return to leave a more thought out reply, but in the meantime I’ll just say thank you….
Fritz- beautiful article. Can only say thanks and contemplate.
Thank you for the reminders. John got it right. I am not a religious man. Instead I have a personal relationship with my Father in heaven, through the Holy Spirit, thanks to Jesus Christ. If this isn’t true, then it is the biggest fraud perpetuated on humankind. But, I know it is true. So did your father. Faith is profound. The implications of our decision is eternal. And I will say, vitality isn’t a concern at all in the new life.
And as for vitality in this life, if we guard our mind, body, soul is this life, then our life will have purpose until the end. There is a wonderful guide book on how to preserve this “tent”, this “vessel”. My father at 93, my mother at 88, and I watch Jimmy Carter who lives just an hour from my hometown, living in vitality to his last moments at 98 – they are all examples of this. And all are at peace with the new vitality that they know awaits them.
Great writing as always Fritz and it never hurts to ponder the bigger things, we should all do that more often. Time (on Earth at least) is our one big limited resource and it’s inevitable vanishing is the reason so many of us want to craft a life that gives back and that we enjoy. That’s at the core of the FIRE movement.
Fritz,
This piece touched me this morning. First, the anniversaries of losing those we love are always a challenge. I love that you chose to go into “thin ice” with today’s topic. The story is so personal and yet applicable to so many.
I’m not religious, but spirituality translates. The lesson from John’s statement is real and I’m so glad you chose to share this today.
Wonderfully written. Thank you for this.
I always enjoy your insight
Thank you
Dave Zimmerman
Wow! One of your best posts ever! The words touched me so strongly. As a new cancer survivor they mean even more! I lost some vitality due to treatments…which hit me more than some of the actual treatments. I was not ready for this at my “young” age of 66. These words cause me to think more deeply about spirituality. Thank you for sharing.
What a powerful post. I am reading it during lunch at my desk. I am a teacher so only quiet moment I will have today. I remember when my mother was in her last month on Earth. Everything she cared about fit in a shoe box or was represented by the family pictures on the wall. I will never forget it. It is the reason I have decided to retire early. One more year, I will give my students all I have. Then will focus on my family and volunteering. Life is too fleeting.
I had a college professor who wrote the following quote on the blackboard on the last day of class:
“Of all the words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these: It might have been.”
I instantly knew that line from the poet Whittier was profound. But, of course, I never thought it profound enough to let it guide my life until I found myself on the doorstep of old age. Fortunately, however, I did wake up 20 years or so before my vitality’s expiration date. Thank you, Frtiz, for sharing John’s wisdom. It’s exactly what young people need to hear. The sooner one realizes that one’s vitality has an expiration date, and acts accordingly, the more likely one will have a truly rewarding life. Great freaking post, my friend. Cheers.
Amazing post! Thank you for sharing something so personal, yet something that we all need to hear.
Your post reminded me of Jimmy Carter, who I think understands everything you mentioned in your post. May he have a peaceful transition to whatever comes next……….
A very inspirational and motivational post. I also love hearing other’s views on this!!
Wonderful post Fritz! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Fritz for sharing! One of my future mentors was 85 when I first invited him out to lunch. His name would be recognized as a spiritual giant in Christian circles. Yet, he felt like he had nothing left to offer because others considered him past his prime, much like John was talking about. By me as a much younger man seeking his wisdom, not only did I gain tremendously, he was reminded that vitality is not just an age. I realized I found a treasured relationship because others had stopped looking 🙂
I think too that your article invites us to ask for Who do we do hard things for, regardless of the results at whatever stage. As a fellow Christian, I believe that we are made in the image our our Creator, & as such, we “get to” practice throughout life seeking to grow in spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, & relational aspects. And as another mentor said, “I cannot do all that I used to do, but I can do some things better than I ever have” (he too would be considered a Christian spiritual giant). And it was not Toby Keith 🙂
I’m almost 70 and I look to my elders for wisdom. They’re living in a place I don’t know and want to know. The idea of losing one’s “vitality” is something I just never put my finger on, but that’s it.
Fortunately, I’m in good health and have vitality. It’s something I’m conscious of and I don’t take it for granted. Often I see how we need to spend money to make us happy, but for me, it’s recognizing the most simple acts are what give life meaning.
Thanks for such a powerful and thought provoking post Fritz…far and away your best. Thank you.
I lost my dad nine years ago at the age of 89. We were very close and I miss him dearly. His pastor spoke during his funeral. Afterward, he said something to me along these lines, which have stayed with me every day since my dad’s funeral…
“The pain of loss will not dissipate quickly. You will feel a vacant space for a time. But as you go about your life, small things…a smell, a song, a beautiful sunset, or maybe just a warm ocean breeze, will come and it will caress you. You will feel his warmth again in that brief moment, but know he is there. It will likely bring a rush of sadness and happiness intertwined. Know that he has not left you. His physical body may be no more, but his heavenly spirit is always all around you. You will feel him in time. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but he will come. He will visit you often, likely when you least are expecting it. Know that he’s there and loves you. Come to embrace those brief moments and the accompanying sadness and happiness. Seek comfort in his presence as God is sending him to you. Eventually, you will join him again. Know that your spirits are eternal and are always together.
My dad has visited me many times since that day. It’s usually just a brief thought as a breeze touches my face or the warmth of the sun on my face followed by a rush of thought. More recently, as I sat in a tree stand while deer hunting. The sun rose over the ridge above me and warmed the left side of my face, and the rush of thought about Dad instantly returned again, as it has so many times. I’ve learned to embrace it now, and I welcome those moments. I look forward to our next “embrace”. Many non-believers will say, “Oh, it’s just memories triggered by some reminder activation.” But I personally know it’s very different. The warmth of those moments are unmistakable.
I share this in the hope that it brings you comfort in some way on your dad’s anniversary. Thank you again for the lovely post.
ThomH. Thank you for your response. Very moving and powerful! Your pastor was a wise man.
What a powerful post Fritz! The year anniversary of a parent’s death is a hard one and I was in a similar funk for a few weeks at the recent year of my mom’s passing. I loved your examples of things that are as equally hard to grasp as having faith. Your dad and John were wise men. Thanks for sharing some of their legacy with us.
Thanks Fritz. Excellent.
I was in great shape in my late 30s, but some surgeries sapped that vitality. At 62 in a couple weeks, I don’t fear going if called. Stupid or what? I think I have more to offer, if asked, but I am curious to see how the next generation solves problems I see and used to solve. My time these days just seems better spent in relationship with my bride and in helping her to become a saint than in building a better roadway or airport.
Thank you Fritz. Not only does your article offer perspective on life, it also brings me back to focusing on whats most important, and that is relationships. First with God, then family and friends. If we get those right then most everything else is a bonus.
I usually don’t read the comments from your readers but this time read almost all of them. They are equally inspiring and insightful.
I love this Fritz and I look forward to having a discussion with you over a beer!
Powerful stuff here Fritz, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I will be celebrating my fathers life and his passing into heaven on March 7th, so this post is very timely! John seems like a wonderful man, and no doubt, so was your father! God bless you and your family!
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works shall accompany them.” (Revelations 14:13)
Another insightful post. I met your Dad once when he came into the office with you and was immediately impressed and recognized that his influence in raising and teaching you was one reason you were such a diligent and intelligent young man. You instinctively knew how to approach customers and understand their needs and how to mesh their needs with our own company’s goals.
At age 85, I can attest to the loss of vitality. At times i ponder my physical and mental decline ( slowing but hopefully still rational). I believe if you are blessed with reasonably good health and are able that you can continue to have a positive impact. Keeping as active both physically and mentally as I can is my daily desire. So I keep volunteering in a National Park and a State Park, teaching and helping others understand and protect these National Treasures. I try to nourish my faith life by singing in the Church Choir and through the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
Thanks so much for sharing It was truly divine intervention that this was last thing I read before putting my head on my pillow Good night and God Bless
Excellent post, dear Fritz!
Covid 19 reminded us of how fragile we are. We should reflect more on this and learn to tap into our spiritual side. Since my retirement, I have noticed that I am much more reflective than years ago, and feel that I am part of something bigger. Still, I am very much afraid of my future physical and mental decline….
There comes a time to go. Not everyone gets to say goodbye, so be prepared for when the time comes. Give thanks for the good years and times you had: we are not here for a long time but for a good time.
Great post, Fritz, and thanks for sharing your religion and spirituality — we don’t hear enough of that these days, and your post arrived at a critical time for my wife and me as we deal with some end-of-life health issues with her Mom. Many thanks, and God bless.
Thank you for the update. The mind is also a muscle that needs exercise. After 10 months on the road in the RV I am still lacking that spark. This will help me move forward.
Thanks Fritz — we need much more posts that centers on “Thin Ice” discussions about having that personal relationship that ensures all know about the Option of leaving our earthly bodies to a destination where our greatest treasures are ultimately stored! Your discussions help shed a light on a Long Term (Eternity) Care Plan where the premiums have already been paid and we are chosen as the beneficiaries thanks to Grace, Peace and Faith! Share more and share often Fritz!