Retirement. Just the word conjures up images of sunny beaches, cozy hobbies, and maybe a bit more time with the grandkids. But for many folks deeply rooted in their faith, retirement planning goes beyond just finances and leisure. It’s about ensuring their golden years align with their spiritual values and provide opportunities for continued service and growth. That can add a layer of complexity, especially when trying to balance personal desires with a lifelong commitment to something bigger.

Dad’s been counting down the days to retirement for what feels like forever. He’s got this image in his head of endless fishing trips, perfecting his golf swing, and finally getting around to all those woodworking projects he’s been putting off. He deserves it, after all those years of hard work. But sometimes I worry he’s built it up a little too much, like he’s expecting a miracle transformation into Captain Relaxo the minute he clocks out for the last time.