Saturday, July 09, 2011

Life Changes

Today I filed the necessary paperwork to retire as active clergy within my denomination.  Normally, they require age 65 (2  years away) or 25 years of ministry (one year away).  However, because I am not currently in a ministry position, nothing appears on the immediate horizon, and Ben's career will keep us local for the next three or more years, I asked for advice from the higher ups.  The response was an offer of early retirement.  That means I will be able to continue weddings and funerals and occasional duties with no particular responsibilities.  It gave me kind of a funny feeling, but all in all it is the best course of action at this point in life.  I will still be doing some ministry work in the local church, but with no specific time requirements.  Is this a sign that I am getting old?  I sit wondering how this will affect my life.  I guess I will find out.