Like any good story, the setting, background, and character development are paramount.<\/p>\n
I am John. Like Jimmy in\u00a0The 100-Year Life, <\/em>I was born in 1971. My parents were born in 1951, just a few years apart from the fictional character Jack. My dad is currently 73 years old and remarried after my mom passed away at the age of 60.<\/p>\n My wife and I, each 52 years young, have 4 children, each \u201cJane\u2019s\u201d with their respective \u201cJorge\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n So far, a large portion of this book\u2019s character development could have been explicitly written about ME and my family.<\/p>\n Now for the setting: I have been reading\u00a0The 100-Year Life<\/em> while attending our annual denominational convention, which conveniently extended into a vacation with my wife and me, giving us three Sundays away from our congregation and my preaching responsibilities. While on this extended vacation, the first few days were sadly marred by Denise and I not being on the same page emotionally and relationally. Simply put: I was being an ass. I tend to get emotional and introspective (ok, ok, let\u2019s call it what it is: moody<\/em>) when I\u2019m at denominational events. I question who I am and my overall purpose in life and ministry. And when I go on vacation immediately following that, I tend to carry the angst and frustration into what should be an excellent, relaxing time of connecting with each other.<\/p>\n Thankfully, we worked through it by talking together about The 100-Year Life<\/em>. It’s a true story. I needed to process a lot about my future, calling, profession, finances, passions, and purpose, and this book was the perfect platform to do so. It was a right time, right place resource. Thank you, Jesus.<\/em><\/p>\n What was really encouraging during a couple of discouraging days is that my wife and I have been actively pursuing a four<\/strong>-stage life, even though the modeling I received from my parents (and educational system) supported only a three<\/strong>-stage life. It wasn\u2019t until reading this book that I was able to put language to what I was sensing about the need for another stage in addition to or beyond education, a career, and then retirement.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s some more background. You see, I went to college at the age of 17 (!) and at the age of 18 (!) I began my career in pastoring, which I still hold to this very day. At 21 years old, I had my bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry. At 35 years old, I completed my master’s Degree, sensing that further educational advancement would be necessary in our changing landscape. Plus, I was somewhat bored with my job. That degree didn\u2019t come with a larger salary. Instead, I just knew instinctively that I needed to give room for the possibility of a career shift from what I have known since I was 18. Gratton and Scott implore the reader to this end: \u201cWhoever you are, wherever you live and however old you are, you need to start thinking now about the decisions you will take to make the most of this longer life\u201d (pg. 1). They go on to explain that this involves a balance of \u201cthe financial and the non-financial, the economic and the psychological, the rational and the emotional\u2026family, friendships, mental health and happiness are all crucial components\u201d (pg. 6).<\/p>\n With\u00a0The 100-Year Life<\/em> as a springboard, these vital topics were points of intense conversation between my wife and me in various locations on our Miami Beach vacation. I sincerely apologize to whoever sat near us because the dialogue was often emotional, and Denise freely shed tears. It sure wasn\u2019t pretty, but it sure was necessary. My wife and I were (re)figuring out our 100-Year Life. I say \u201cre\u201d because these conversations are not one-and-done; they must be regurgitated and recommitted to. You see, previously, we had decided that starting my doctoral degree at the age of 50 was a calculated investment into our \u201cretirement.\u201d With an earned doctoral degree, I ought to be able to morph my current career into various options that align with my calling and expertise. That could include, but not be limited to, adjunct teaching at a university, executive coaching, consulting, or other freelance ministerial work. I don\u2019t really want to pastor a church into my late 60\u2019s or early 70\u2019s. I don\u2019t fault those that do, but it is not my<\/strong> desire. Because of the newfound language of \u201cthe 100-year life,\u201d I now realize that it is pretty likely that I\/we will live into our 90s or 100s. This book has awakened the \u201cmath\u201d of that in me. That means I and my wife could have approximately 30-40 more years of vitality! Wow. Even typing that sentence is blowing my mind.<\/p>\n Therefore, I must be even more conscientious about the 4th stage. What hit the proverbial fan during our denominational convention and subsequent vacation is this: I have actively and adequately planned for the economic future of a longer life, but I have not been as good about my emotions, marriage, family, friendship, mental health, and happiness aspects. In other words, I could gain the whole world (financial) and lose my soul (relational, emotional, marital, etc).<\/p>\n So, what\u2019s my plan? Granted, it\u2019s still wet cement, but here is what I have so far:<\/p>\n 1. Finish my doctorate with my marriage, ministry and love for Jesus better than ever.<\/p>\n 2. Prayerfully plan with my wife regarding the timing and execution of a \u201cpost-pastorate\u201d life.<\/p>\n 3. Aggressively reduce unnecessary spending and reduce, if not wholly payoff, debt, including our vehicles and home.<\/p>\n 4. Maintain the loss of 30-35 lbs of body weight, so I can live health and vital.<\/p>\n 5. Now, as empty-nesters, meal prepping and grocery shopping once a week in order to eat healthier.<\/p>\n 6. Schedule weekly times for conversations of this nature with my wife so they don\u2019t blow up again while on vacation!<\/p>\n Gratton and Scott said it well: \u201cA 100-year life needs more saving rather than spending, more recreation time converted into re-creation, and more capacity and willingness to engage in challenging conversations with partners about roles and commitments. It involves making tough decisions now for potential gains in the future\u201d (pg. 288).<\/p>\n If I do this, my future life (and wife) will thank me.<\/p>\n Raise a glass…here\u2019s to JOHN 4.0.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Like any good story, the setting, background, and character development are paramount. I am John. Like Jimmy in\u00a0The 100-Year Life, I was born in 1971. My parents were born in 1951, just a few years apart from the fictional character Jack. 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