Embarking on Retirement Adventures: Finding Inspiration in Calvin and Hobbes and Caleb

1995 came to an end, and with it, something else ended too – Calvin and Hobbes published its last cartoon. This comic strip was my favorite, and I have several books from the series. It closed down for a simple reason: Bill Watterson grew frustrated with his syndicator’s demands to license his creation for merchandise like mugs, caps, and t-shirts.

I vividly remember the final strip, which was in full color since it was a Sunday. Calvin, the mischievous anti-hero of the strip, and his stuffed tiger Hobbes (who was real to Calvin) stood atop a hill covered in freshly fallen snow. In the last panel, Calvin turned to Hobbes and said, “Let’s go exploring.”

I can relate to that moment. On Sunday, October 15, 2023, I will retire after 50 years of ministry. When my father retired, he said, “it was time.” Now, I understand what he meant.

Retirement is an interesting word. It seems to imply getting tired again. Originally, it was a Prussian monarch’s tactic to rid himself of political irritants. Nowadays, it carries a gentler tone. However, some see retirement as a plan to sit, rest, and ultimately pass away.

That’s not my plan. I will continue teaching an online Bible class and my regular Sunday morning class. I will also continue producing my hastily created video devotional, Morning Coffee, as long as there are listeners and ideas. And, of course, I plan to write this blog and more.

In Joshua 14, Joshua is dividing the family inheritances among the Israelites. Most people choose lush pastures or fertile fields. But one person, Caleb, who was a faithful partner from Numbers 13, has a different request. Caleb looks around and has a unique desire.

“And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said.” (Joshua 14:10–12, ESV)

Caleb still had plenty of life left in him, and his spiritual vision was clear. He wanted the hill country, the very place where the giants lived. He still had the desire to fight the giants.

Perhaps, I can approach life with the same enthusiasm.

As I’ve observed others successfully (and unsuccessfully) retire, I’ve learned a few lessons along the way.

First, find a reason to get up in the morning. Nothing energizes you like knowing why God put you on this earth for that day.

Second, keep your mind active. Sitting in front of the TV and watching mindless content from all channels, including news channels, will only corrode your brain. Instead, write, observe, and immerse yourself in the awe of the universe.

Third, explore new things while appreciating the old. Life passes by quickly, especially when you’re young, so take the time to try new experiences. But also cherish the memories of the good things.

Fourth, prioritize your health. Focus on your health span, which is the time you can walk, move, and feel alive, rather than just your lifespan.

Lastly, keep your friends close. As you grow older, you may find that your circle of acquaintances shrinks, but the few friends you have left become even more important.

So, just like Caleb looked at the hill country and embarked on a journey, I am standing here, looking at my own hill country.

As Calvin said, “Let’s go exploring.”