Retirement, to me, meant that now I could do some of the things a
busy work schedule had hindered.Retirement, to me, meant that now I could do some of the things a
busy work schedule had hindered.
First on my list was attending a home Bible study. What a wonderful way to start my week – sharing God’s word and praying with others. The timing turned out perfect. As soon as Bible study ends, a friend and I head for a local housing complex for seniors, where we deliver Meals on Wheels. People often comment about what a nice thing we’re doing. Perhaps that’s true, but it’s only half the story. It’s fun getting to know these folks and hearing their experiences.
Another opportunity to reach out to others is through a local organization called the Manna Center. We provide food and clothing to those in need. My job is to visit with people to learn their needs and help them meet those needs. This normally involves giving food and clothing, but sometimes we’re able to offer help with medical needs as well, by putting them in touch with other people or agencies. Connecting these people with job opportunities or providing gas vouchers to get to work or to medical care is also a part of this ministry.
After teaching elementary students for 39 years, I vowed that I would never be a substitute teacher. But the resolve weakened somewhat when a former student contacted me. She teaches nearby in a shelter for children removed from their homes because of abusive situations. Visiting that facility pulled at my heartstrings. Now my name is on their list of substitute teachers.
Most recently, a sad, unexpected tragedy – Hurricane Katrina – called for another type of help. Our small town suddenly increased in population. A church camp was selected to house more than 500 people from New Orleans. Opportunities to help others abounded. Clothing donations poured in. I was one of many volunteers sorting these items to be delivered to those who had lost everything. More than 100 schoolchildren would be entering our school system in just a few days. I supervised and aided a group of young people in filling donated backpacks with all kinds of school supplies. Our church also adopted a family who made it here from Gulfport. They, too, lost everything, so helping provide for their needs has been on my happy-to-do list.
To me, giving to others is simply a natural part of living. I’m so grateful for parents who taught me that value – even when it was, at times, necessary for us to be on the receiving end.