As you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today, allow me to ask the question: When was the last time you were at a rest stop where people were traveling, and you had the opportunity to watch the working class start their day?

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to stop at a Love’s Gas Station this weekend before going to a retirement ceremony and a Buc-ees Travel Center returning home.

 

Although both are different experiences, I took time to count my blessings for being retired.

 

At Love’s Gas Station, I observe business owners starting their day, truckers brushing their teeth, and food industry workers making a living on minimum wages.

 

In contrast, at Buc-ees Travel Center, I observe the excitement of children being on vacation with family, those traveling getting something, and those in the food industry making probably more than minimum wage.

 

Not to mention that if you have ever stopped at any Buc-ees Travel Center, it’s all about the experience and a place where you don’t mind paying for the services you are rendered.

 

I’m also reminded that nowadays the word retirement has different meanings and connotations if you are working for yourself, a company, or an organization for example.

 

Having spent 30 years in the military and then 14 years as a Department of Defense Civilian, I spent more than half my life working.

 

When I retired the first time it was a different emotion than the second time.

 

In any case, having retired twice I know the feelings associated with retirement and not having to work to support myself.

 

There’s a specific feeling or emotion tied to retirement and I believe that unless you have retired from something it’s hard to explain.

 

Many might say “Been There and Done That.”

 

I’m now watching from a distance those who work for the Government being forced into retirement and those who have accepted the fact it’s time to retire.

 

What many consider a safe job is no longer at all.

 

I know that we have one life to live so why not live it to the fullest?

 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to share some brief comments during a soldier/friend retirement ceremony who served 30 years in the military as I reflected on our time in Germany.

 

I also had the opportunity to talk with another soldier/friend who recently retired on March 1, 2025, after serving 35 years in the military.

 

In both cases, I served in the military with two great Americans and watched them get promoted over the years.

 

This past weekend was also about the camaraderie of those associated with the military and celebrating their achievements.

 

There’s also another word called “Encouragement” that I picked up this weekend when I attended Mass.  It was part of a homily that ties in nicely with my thoughts today.

 

The Priest told the congregation that when we are young, we need encouragement and when we are old, we need encouragement.

 

He also said we need encouragement even when we are doing well.

 

I was encouraged to know how I helped others and the camaraderie we still share as Soldiers.

 

How fitting the word encouragement can be even with a change of lifestyle for being able to slow down sometimes and take time for others.

 

I also learned that in the Bible Romans 12:8 relates to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that Encouragement is one of them.

 

The spiritual gift of encouragement – What is it? – Compelling Truth

 

Romans 12:8-14 NIV – if it is to encourage, then give – Bible Gateway

 

I have learned that you will never know the impact we have on others until God wants them to reveal it to you.

 

Part of my DNA is adding value and being a Servant Leader.

 

I’ve always been about adding value to others as a servant leader.

 

I’m reminded of a famous quote from Zig Ziglar- “If you help enough people get what they want they will help you get what you want.”

 

Zig Ziglar You Can Have Everything You Want | Successful Spirit

 

Early in my career, many years ago, I learned the value of working as a team to accomplish the mission early in life.

 

In my mind, it goes back to the African proverb: “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”

 

Who first said: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together? | Andrew Whitby

 

In my case, this weekend I was able to see the fruits of taking people with me over the years is amazing.  It’s amazing because I’m now watching their successes in and out of uniform.

 

There were so many stories told during the retirement ceremony and the evening social event of how far many of them have been in life.

 

I alluded to the fact earlier that the word retirement has different meanings.

 

Although some in attendance were in their second career, the fact we all had time to travel, fellowship, and have fun is another aspect of retirement.

 

Those two travel centers I mentioned in the beginning “Love’s and Buc-ees” allowed me to see those who are still working.

 

It also allowed me to see those who can take vacations and travel.

 

Although retirement has a different type of dichotomy, you and I are afforded the opportunities every day to decide how we will spend our lives once we do decide to retire.

 

There will always be people willing to make our lives easier with various creature comforts, signaling that if you are willing to pay for it you can have it.

 

The point is this, you worked hard for a reason, so why not enjoy the fruits of your labor while you can and enjoy life?

 

The next time you are out and about traveling think about those waiting to retire and those either on vacation or retired.  Count your blessings and be grateful for opportunities to attend retirement ceremonies and celebrate the successes of others.

 

Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about how your retirement is going.  However, if you are not retired how do you plan to get to that point?

 

I’ll leave you with this last quote. “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” —Fred Rogers

 

The quote by Fred Rogers resonates with me because I’m also starting something new or learning something new now that I’m retired, what about you?