For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. (Eph. 5:8)


OUR MENTORS, CLYDE AND BETTY, have shown us by their lives that “retirement” is just a new opportunity to serve God. They led full lives of creative ministry: pastoral ministers, published writers, teachers, mentors, and leaders in so many ways. These ministries and more mark years of their living as children of light. During the years my husband and I were involved in full-time itinerant ministry, Clyde and Betty were crucial to us staying sane and centered in what really mattered. Although they were busy pastoring my husband Steve’s hometown church, they always made time for us while they served on the board of directors of our little nonprofit ministry.

Time has a way of marching on, and the day came when Clyde retired from the pastorate. He and Betty moved closer to family and to a more comfortable climate. However, before their move they determined that retirement wouldn’t mean sitting on the porch in rocking chairs; they continued living lives that actively pointed to God’s kingdom. They filled pulpits, taught Sunday school, led Bible studies, cared for neighbors, and still took time to be active cheerleaders for us and many others.

Betty and Clyde would say they didn’t do anything spectacular. But to the people whose lives they touched as dear mentors, their lives have been shining examples of how to live as children of light all through life.

Choose today to live as a child of light—shine on everyone you meet!

Annie Wamberg is a recent empty-nester. She is enjoying the quiet as well as gardening and traveling.