A period at the end of a sentence
I am almost 67 years old. I reached my magic number with social security this month. I am about to be a grandma (Mimsy). I have an empty nest (And I am actually still without a nest). I am past midlife and more of my life is behind me than in front of me. These are facts that I cannot avoid and have decided to no longer ignore. Many people, including 2 of my 3 siblings, have already put an end to their work life. On Monday – July 6 – I will also put a period on the end of that sentence. I will turn the page and start a new chapter on Tuesday. I will retire and permanently exit the workforce, although I am slowly phasing out as I finish a few tasks. How weird is that?! Retirement is for old people!
I do not think that a believer ever retires from serving God. In fact, my parents modeled the opposite. When they retired early from their careers as a rocket scientist (dad) and nursing educator (mom), they pursued more education and international ministry as well as mentoring. They chose to pursue kingdom activities rather than spending decades primarily on hobbies without an eternal focus. Pretty cool role models.
I will say that all of this is quite unsettling and odd for me and I am not ready. I never really imagined this day. But, then again, I did not know that I would be facing these days and years without Jim, without a home, and wondering what to do when I grow up. I have loved ministry. Even though it has been a long and slow withdrawal over the past years, the door was never shut. Now it feels different! I think it feels scary to retire because it represents an unprecedented lifestyle change. I am continuing to lose more identity – professionally this time – along with those social connections and spheres of influence. It feels scary because the shift is from earning to spending and I hope that I won’t outlive my resources or become a burden on my kids. And it feels scary because it is the uncertainty of the unknown – alone.
So, now what?! How can I reimagine my life after work? How can I maintain the disciplines and habits that the rhythm of work provides? How can I steward my time and resources responsibly? How do I rest without becoming slothful or selfish? How do I keep having a positive influence in the world or at least my corner of it? May I keep being curious and intentional. May I keep finding new and creative ways to make much of Jesus. May He get all the credit in this new chapter – Act 3. To be continued…
First thing to do before my first full day of retirement?! – turn off the alarm clock!!!!
This is a screenshot from the Fullerton Free E-News -July 9, 2026
Screenshot
This was sent to Fullerton Free Families on 7/9/26
A BIG Thanks to Miriam Mohler!
Hey Families,
As you may have seen in the E-news this week, we have a sad (for us) but exciting transition in our students and kids ministry. Miriam Mohler, who has served so faithfully for almost 15 years with our students and kids ministry as our amazing admin, is making a move within our staff team to free up some time in her life and we are bummed, but SO thrilled for her! I will let her note below explain the exciting update. I have personally been SO blessed, encouraged and positively impacted by Miriam’s faithful heart for Jesus and for the gospel reaching students and kids! Please read below and then join us in giving a BIG thanks to Miriam whenever you see her around the church in weeks and months to come.
Dear church family,
It is bittersweet to write this, but I am stepping back from my full-time ministry assistant role. Bitter because it means I won’t be ministering to and with those who minister so effectively to our students and kids. Sweet because I will have more time to step back into “kids” ministry -as a grandparent!! Transitioning from a primary working role to a completely new “encore adventure” is quite unsettling and odd for me and I am not sure I am ready!
I do not think that a believer ever retires from serving God. It is no small thing to have been a part of a team that has given value to everyone, regardless of age, gender or position. It has been amazing to have had a seat at the table with so many godly stewards to the keys of the kingdom. I have loved answering a call to full-time ministry as a junior high pastor, a college educator and my most recent support role for so many smart, funny and talented people. Most have changed or challenged me in meaningful ways. Most have helped shape who I am. Most I still know and joyfully call my friend. Many have made me think. Some have left a profound impact on my life. A few have reflected Christ so brilliantly that I am speechless. There are few things in life as rewarding as knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others. The past 14+ years have been an honor and a joyful privilege. I continue to look forward with hope as God continues to do work in and through Fullerton Free Church. Pray for me as I pray for you. May each of us keep finding new and creative ways to make much of Jesus and may He get all the credit.
With gratitude, strength for today & bright hope for tomorrow,
Miriam Mohler aka Mirm
We are blessed to still have Miriam around the offices supporting us in more logistical details for the church in a part-time role moving forward. Again, give her a big “thank you” when you see her.
Teaming with you!
Scott Belon