Thursday, September 7, 2017

Are you Ready for Retirement?


Are You Ready for Retirement?

"Dream but don't sleep." -- Cherry Moriones-Doromal
Strong and I with  my Dad and Mom on our recent US trip

Today hubby Wilson will start with his mandatory Senior Executive Course which should last for about a year, inclusive of special trainings in the US (normally with FBI). Other than that, all PNP officers like him are required to pass the Civil Service CSEE and/ or Police Executive Senior Examination given by #NAPOLCOM as requirement for future promotion-- as in his case, for possible senior superintendent (full colonel) and chief superintendent (general) posts, by the Almighty's  approval and in His time.
With my Dad and Mom at Montage Laguna Beach CA--- Retired, but they never get tired!

One night, during the course of our preparation, I personally interviewed hubby using my own mock questions. I asked him: "How do you see yourself 3,5 and 10 years from now?" He paused for a moment and uttered sincere, hopeful, precise words in all humility which undoubtedly made me realize how blessed I am to be given a genuine-hearted Christian public servant husband.

"Relax and let our requests be made known to our God! Let's live one day at a time in faith that our Father has His own perfect will in our career, in our family, as well as in our roles and ministry for the country," that's my brief encouragement  for him.

Then came into my mind these three extraordinary accomplished  men whom I had a series of one-on-one personal talk and encounter lately. 

Case #1 (Knows when to slowdown and stop... and he currently enjoys the fruit of his labor)

The first one is a successful lawyer, with astounding achievements in the corporate, international and local legal practice. He is in his early 70s and is semi-retired (as he termed it), spending most of his time developing his vast farm, caring about the environment. And as a matter choice, he is now living an unelaborate, healthy life well-spent with equally super successful luminary wife and fellow-accomplished friends (some of them we regularly see on tv, web and we get to listen to them on radio programs), incessantly discovering new knowledge to benefit humanity. 

"You know, Cherry, what we're doing now in this organic farm are efforts to live longer and healthier," he whispered to me as we were traversing the hanging bridge in his property. 

I need not mention that this man is considerably rich, famous and influential. He lets his investments work for him now that he is slowing down a bit. Along the way, he still maintains several businesses and a pretty decent law firm in a prestigious building in Ortigas. 

This man wrote his latest book recently, sharing his testimony to the world. Despite all his accomplishments and busy itinerary, he allots time for Bible study and fellowship with his small group in his home in Valle Verde.  He regularly makes time for old-time acquaintances and friends like us. 

Without need of superfluous words from him, his inner happiness naturally radiates on his face; therefore, I would say that he is indeed a successful man!

Case #2 (Super active and apparently without plan to retire)

The next man that I will be gossiping about today is an 82-year old politician- businessman. I call him dad whenever we talk in private. I have learned so much  wisdom from him as he would often impart his secrets about business--telling me the details on how he became a billionaire by using his creativity--as well as his personal styles and strategies for successfully raising his politician children, training them to become world-class athletes first, then transforming them into international scholars, then businessmen, and now, active politicians.  I guess, this man has no plans to retire. He was hospitalized several times, but, as a medical doctor himself, he would always say that he is aware of the capacity and needs of his own body; for that reason, he stubbornly carries out whatever projects he has in mind and no one dares to stop him, because the man is resolute about his goals. He has positioned the tracks and future of all his loved ones already.

Despite his age, he, still, is an active politician as well as a highly-esteemed civic and business leader. To tell you, no one can beat this man's diligence!  He would wake up each day around 3:30 am and would be in his project sites from 4:00 am to 12:00 pm where he simultaneously entertains everyone (meaning, all levels of visitors! From the masses asking for help and financial assistance, project coordinators, local political leaders, and various people with all their distinct requests). Vision and passion are his constant baggage and companion, as well as his daily dose of strength.

Case #3: (Extremely accomplished yet alone and lonely)

Finally, here's an 83-year old American tycoon, newsmaker, political influencer, diplomat, art collector, preserver of endangered wildlife species. Checking on his bio would make me run out of adjectives to describe his achievements.  Just to give you an idea, with all his recorded contributions to the world, even to the White House during his time, in science, in the military, genetic engineering, arts, and so forth, even Einstein might have second thoughts about who is greater between them. Of course,  he is a billionaire! Nevertheless, despite his age and weakening body, he still tirelessly explores business opportunities with foreign investors and government leaders.

Upon an intimate one-on-one talk a few weeks ago, I asked him why he thinks he has to work like that.  I said, "You already gave each member of your family more than enough inheritance. Now, you are by yourself living a kingly lifestyle without family and friends."  In his shaky voice, he began sharing his life stories to me... And in the course of his narration, he began shedding tears and more tears. In my mind, I couldn't believe that someone of his calibre would text me and invite me into his own home to ask for advice. He was political adviser to US senators and a prominent  US vice president (who later on run as president) during his time. He was cum laude in the same school where President Donald Trump studied.He served as diplomat in different parts of the world most of his life. He owns luxurious properties and currently proposes projects to governments with figures in dollars which I couldn't decipher in my own mental arithmetic. Despite those, he is sad... and unsatisfied.

All in all, why am I thinking about these things today? Probably, as a form or realization since I just got home from a twenty-day US trip with my parents who both recently retired from government service.  Simple as they are, all their lives, they had  worked hard to provide for the family and they performed their  functions in humility, love and passion. What a blessing it is that they are currently enjoying the fruits of their labor in complete strength, perfect health and with total happiness in their heart.

Think about this...
Ecclesiastes 1:3
What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?