Redefining Retirement: Faith, Purpose, and the Art of Giving

There is a moment when you set down a heavy suitcase you have been carrying for miles. You stand up straighter, you roll your shoulders back, and you take the deepest breath you have taken in years.

That is exactly how I felt when I retired from the practice of medicine.

My initial emotion was one of pure relief.

After years of working for various entities, losing control over my time, and navigating a system that often felt rushed, I was ready to step into the gazebo and sit for a while. But as many of us discover, when the noise of the career stops, the quiet questions of life begin.

The Shift from “Getting” to “Giving”

I stepped into this new season with a significant drop in income. While making lots of money was never my primary object, it was certainly a period of adjustment.

I admit, in the beginning, I looked for shortcuts. I even played the lottery, thinking I had to do something drastic to secure my future! But I quickly realized I was looking at the garden from the wrong angle.

I had been led in my spiritual walk to believe that my needs would be met, but I had the mechanism wrong. God didn’t want me to rely on luck; He wanted me to help other people become successful.

I realized that by lifting others up, my own success would follow. I found a vehicle for this in a wellness technology company called LifeWave. It wasn’t just about income; it was about finding a tool that aligned with my belief in the body’s natural energy and light. It allowed me to continue my mission of healing, but on my own terms.

Anchored by Promises

During times of uncertainty, we need an anchor. For me, that anchor has always been the Word.

Two specific truths bolstered me when the numbers didn’t seem to add up:

1. Trust: “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). This taught me that my source is not a paycheck; it is Providence.
2. Generosity: “Give, and it shall be given unto you…” (Luke 6:38).

I learned to become a giver. Even when I have been without, I have never been in want. It is a spiritual law of gravity: what you pour out into the lives of others is measured back to you, often running over.

The Ultimate Legacy: Unconditional Love

While financial security is important to underwrite our lives, it is not the legacy that matters most.

When I think of what I want to leave behind, I think of my mother. The greatest spiritual lesson she taught me was unconditional love.

I never felt I had to earn her love. I never feared I could lose it by making a mistake. She simply loved her family to death. That kind of safety is rare in this world, and it is the most precious gift we can give.

I want my grandchildren to know this same truth.

I want them to know they are loved not for what they do, not for their grades, their jobs, or their achievements, but for who they are. Their value is intrinsic, unchangeable, and deeply rooted—just like a strong tree that withstands every season.

A Question for You

Retirement is not about fading away; it is about refining your purpose. It is about moving from success to significance.

What is the legacy you are building today? Is it found in what you are saving, or in what you are giving?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.