Leaving the Workforce as a Hero or Zero?

A hero can be defined in many ways. When asked what a hero looks like – many people see Superman, Supergirl, Batman, or Wonder Woman because these are the first images they may see in their minds. When pressed for a more serious answer these same people might mention Mother Teresa, George Washington, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, or Mahatma Gandhi. Because of my personal faith, I consider Jesus the ultimate hero of humanity. There are just too many numbers and types of heroes to discuss in this one simple article.

I don’t know about you, but I cannot fathom comparing myself to any of the amazing heroes listed above. So, where does that leave the rest of us? Where does that leave me? Have I done anything to change or make the world a better place?

What Creates a Hero?

What creates a hero with the ability to make major changes and improvements in the world? Nelson Mandela had a deep spirituality that was rooted in his Methodist beliefs. In prison, Mandela’s faith flourished, and he developed a sense of community. Although he was private about his religious views, his spirituality was a core part of his character. Mother Teresa embraced her “dark night of the soul” as a part of her spiritual journey and a way to identify with Christ’s suffering. She believed that the darkness prepared her for a deeper union with God and compassion for the poor.

George Washington (Known as The Father of America) was a devoted member of the Anglican Church but was supportive of other faiths. In 1762, Washington became a vestryman in Truro Parish, overseeing the affairs at Pohick Church. He served as a churchwarden for three terms, helping to care for the poor. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist Pastor and inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi experienced a spiritual awakening in South Africa. This awakening led him to adopt a nonviolent approach to fighting injustice. The Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament certainly had a spiritual awakening with God which grew stronger, even while in prison. Paul’s “God Inspired” writings have brought spiritual rebirth to literally billions of lives.

Contemplation

As the day of my retirement approached, I contemplated these things and what, if anything I had accomplished with the life given to me.

Deciding first, to be thankful.

Blessed is the person living in a country with the opportunity to work for a lifetime and be free, while realizing that many do not have these same opportunities.

Second, should retirement really be a destination?

Is it the ultimate goal? I thought it was mine until losing Elizabeth; known as “Liz” by all who knew her. I realized that retirement was always “our goal” together not mine alone. We had been married since high school and our marriage spanned 48 years. My unconditional love for her continues today and will never cease. I have been told this is not “healthy.” People can judge me, I don’t care. After all, I may not be healthy. LOL!

Third, reviewing the workplace.

I began my working life in construction and Liz became a realtor. We often worked multiple jobs at the same time, but we were very young, so we easily found time to have our three wonderful children. Liz remained in real estate while I spent the next 17 years in the auto trade. In 1996 I began working in healthcare facility construction during which time Liz was diagnosed with MS and was forced to resign in 2006. She would fight the disease valiantly until it took her from me in 2017.

The day after her “celebration of life” service was a Sunday, so I attended the small church she had repeatedly urged me to attend with her, but I would never go or even take her. I have been serving in church since that first Sunday and have dedicated my life to serving God.

During my “contemplation” of life, I couldn’t help but think of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” We all know that story; George Baily decides to end his life believing there had been no value or meaning to his existence. Clarence the Angel saves his life and shows him how terrible others’ lives would have been without him.

All We Need is Love

So, maybe we cannot all be superheroes, with our names honored in history books, or change the world. Maybe ours is a group effort, a collaboration. No matter your audience or circle of influence, we all matter. Being a responsible citizen matters, and being a good parent makes a huge difference in your children’s lives. Being a hard worker is much more valuable than being a lazy worker.

Giving to charity, church outreach programs, donations, working as a volunteer, helping and just giving of yourself, it all matters.

Everyone will know what’s truly in your heart by the love you show for others. Setting a good example is priceless. Good character cannot be purchased. Such things are the traits of a hero making a difference. I have not noticed a real hero taking sole credit for their heroic accomplishments, quite the contrary; The brave soldier receiving a medal always gives credit to others. Billy Graham gave glory only to God. Nelson Mandela gave credit to the women and children of S. Africa. The apostle Paul gave all credit to God, as do I.

There is an article about my retirement in the local newspaper below should anyone be interested in reading it. They obviously have little news to report” LOL

Epilog

I’ve been retired only two weeks as I write these words, but I can offer these thoughts: I don’t believe retirement should be a goal, but it is wise to be prepared if possible. Make sure you are living life along the way because the best-laid plans will change, sometimes drastically.

I thank God for getting me this far because everyone does not have the opportunity or make it to retirement so don’t miss out on life along the way…

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