As I prepare to retire in June, I find myself reflecting on the countless blessings of this journey and the lessons I’ve learned about purpose and service. For me, leadership at United Church Homes has always been rooted in service—service to others, to a greater mission and to the belief that every person deserves to live with dignity, purpose and joy.
Retirement marks a transition, not an end. While I may be stepping away from my role as CEO, I know that the call to serve remains. I believe this is true for all of us, no matter our age or stage in life. Life itself is a gift, and service is one of the most meaningful ways we can use that gift.
For many of you, the concept of service is familiar. You give so much—to your families, your communities, your workplaces and your faith. Perhaps now, as you embrace your later years, you feel the shift that comes with new seasons of life. But even as roles change, the opportunity to make a difference never does.
Acts of Service
Service in retirement looks different, but it is no less significant. It might be volunteering in your community, mentoring younger generations, supporting a cause close to your heart, or simply offering a kind word to someone who needs it. These acts of service—large and small—continue to enrich the world around you and bring meaning to your own life.
In my time at United Church Homes, I’ve seen firsthand how the wisdom and compassion of older adults have shaped communities and lives. You are a vital part of the mission to create spaces where abundant aging is not just a phrase but a way of life. Your voices, experiences and care for others are the foundation upon which we build the future.
Deep Gratitude
As I step back from my role, I carry deep gratitude for the relationships I’ve built with so many of you. You’ve taught me that aging is not about slowing down but about finding new ways to share your gifts. You’ve shown me that purpose does not diminish with time but grows richer when shared with others.
Retirement is a new chapter, one where the focus may shift, but the story of service continues. Whether through listening, giving, teaching, or simply being present, there is always a way to contribute to the lives of others.
Thank you for inspiring me, challenging me, and walking alongside me on this journey. May we continue to serve, in whatever ways we can, as we embrace this beautiful season of abundant aging together.
For Reflection (either individually or with a group)
Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.
- What does serving another person or people mean to you?
- When have you been the recipient of an act of service? How did it feel?
- Do you think about acts of service done by an elder any differently than you do an act of service done by a younger?
