Confessions of a recently retired pastor
By Norman Wilhoit
What’s it like to be a recently retired pastor? It started out with a bang. I retired in June, and then Sandy and I spent the next 25 days in the Best Western while we waited for our home to be completed.
But … having said that, there are several positive things that I have found about retirement. Each night David Letterman has his Top 10 list. I would like to shorten my list to five. Here are my Top Five Positive Things About Retirement.
#5 (drumroll) …You can preach for someone else without having to worry if you spoke to everyone in the right tone.
#4 If you spill a glass of milk, you don't have to have a parsonage committee meeting.
#3 It's much easier to remember the days of the week. Before retirement I remembered the days this way: Monday – Board Meeting. Tuesday – Trustees Meeting. Wednesday- UMW Meeting, etc.
Since retirement, it’s been: Monday – Golf. Tuesday – Golf. Wednesday – Golf, etc.
#2 Sandy and I have more time to be together and to work on our antique and collectibles business.
And the #1 positive thing about retirement …
NO MORE CHARGE CONFERENCES!!
One definition that the dictionary uses for retirement is "to take out of circulation.” Maybe that's what it means to not receive an appointment.
Before retiring in June 2003, Norman C. Wilhoit served several churches including First Richlands, First Pulaski, Wesley Memorial, and Mafair. He now lives in Wytheville and can be reached by e-mail.
Editor’s Note: We want to do a series of “confessional” stories from Holston readers. Got ideas? Send Email Here.
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