Running on fumes..

Running on Fumes is an expression used when driving a car when the needle is on empty but still running. We say it is 'running on fumes'.

So I created a cartoon (surprise) of where my GPS located my CAReer.  The cartoon caption caption is below.

I find myself careening towards retirement in a Clown CAReer. I am running on fumes, with tires bulging, and tread worn. That new CAReer smell is replaced with spilled coffee, & fast food wrapper odors. My windshield is bi-focaled & smudged. I am leaking oil, ‘my’ exhaust is loud & smelly.. BUT..  next stop.. RETIREMENT!

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​These last few years I have been working a number of jobs that are less than satisfying. I  show up everyday, work hard and thank God for employment. BUT.. I am currently in between assignments trying to peek over the hill towards the day I retire.

When I retire, I will not miss rush hour traffic, or office politics, but I don't plan on being lazy. I plan on enjoying myself.  I  won't be  rich, I  won't be driven, but I will be busy with some of my favorite things in..The Back Pew.Here I can continue to share Clean Humor & God's Truth through cartoons, and blogs. 

I imagine days listening to worship music (and a little classic rock), studying scriptures, and more accessible to assisting with grandkids.  It can be a better time to serve.

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I feel kind of bad, but most of the 9-5 jobs in my life have not provided me much satisfaction, but I am thankful they helped pay the bills.  My good friend Bryan Anderson has been a college professor at Bethel University since graduating from college and loves it.  I am envious of that and happy for him and others like Bryan, but that has not been my story. But that'a neither here nor there.. now.  I am almost 62, in good  health,  and look forward to waking up without an alarm clock, then drinking coffee at a leisurely pace, 

I have a good life! Wonderful wife of almost 35 years. Our three grown up 'kids' and 4 grandkids all live close by. We attend a wonderful Bible preaching church Grace Church Roseville, where we have made good friends.  And, we have a loving God with has plans for us.. even in retirement. Just hope it is like Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

and not what God said to Abram in Genesis 12:1-4. ​

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The LORD had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.  I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'  So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 

​This life is not over.. and my wife and I are blessed with faith, good health, family, friend, and church that make life full and satisfying.

​We look forward to what God has instore for our lives. To God be the glory in all we do.

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It could be years before I retire, but I know the day is coming, and it makes me smile like the kid in school counting down til the end of the school year.

May God bless each of your lives.no matterwhat stage of life you are in. Life is an amazing journey from youth through retirement. It is not always easy, but with God it is blessed.

​Jeff (smelly fumes) Larson