My husband Neil and I recently traveled to visit friends and relatives who live in the Carolinas. It was a delightful trip, and we had wonderful weather that was perfect for squeezing some bicycling exercise in between the long drives. Biking the coastal towns was easy riding because they are flat like Ocean City.

Edenton, North Carolina, is a favorite of ours because it is the perfect distance between our house, via the ferry, and Wilmington, North Carolina, for a stop for an overnight visit. Edenton has given me an up-close insight into Civil War history. It is a small town making a resurgence with beautiful restored homes and a rehabilitated cotton mill turned into condominiums. The mill workers village is also being repaired one bungalow at a time into lovely historic-district homes.

The downtown is perking as the younger crowd is driving the way with new restaurants and small stores. The business I always seek out when we visit is the Christian bookstore. As you may know, Christian bookstores are becoming a rarity, and every one that remains open is a treasure to me. I love to touch and feel what I am buying, and so I purchased a new Bible carrying case to replace my well-worn one, along with some greeting cards.

When I bought the cards this year, I remembered when I was there last I bought many cards with beautiful uplifting verses and Bible quotes to send to my dear friend Janet. I wanted to have multiple cards because Janet had terminal cancer and I was not able see her as often as I wished, but I wanted her to know that every day I thought and prayed for her, and this was one way to show that never for a moment was she far from my mind. A sweet memory indeed because although I miss Janet I know she is now enjoying Jesus.

After that we visited our friend Lars and his family, a commander in the Coast Guard in Moorehead City, South Carolina. We were close friends with his parents and watched him grow into a marvelous Christian man, father and officer. His family is so fun, and our short time together was so sweet, the visit will last in my memory for years.

After that we stopped to visit with Neil’s cousin Bev and Neil’s Air Force buddy Randy, who married her. It is always a pleasure seeing this couple again because they have grown in their faith, as have Neil and I. We can sit and chat for hours even when we haven’t seen each other for several years, and it is as if we were away just for the evening. What a joy we can find in family and friends, and especially those that knew us when.

Our main visit was with Neil’s younger sister Sandy, who recently survived a serious cancer. Whether because of the treatment or something other she is now having early dementia symptoms. In an effort to help her and her husband Daryl navigate retirement I sent a list of actions that have aided us in our retirement, which I share now with you.

Recipe for Retirement

The Golden Years can be a bit elusive, and staying healthy in mind and body is now our full-time job, so remember today is the first day of the rest of our lives – let us live it well and to God’s glory and honor.

Mix and add ingredients according to age, abilities and tastes.

1. Love – God above all, spouse and family, and then everyone else.

2. Pray – every day together and for each other.

3. Treat – ourselves to good health.

4. Be thankful – to God every day for everything and remind ourselves He is in control.

5. Hug – each other every morning and evening, and say I Love You.

6. Eat – a healthy breakfast every day. Keep fruits out for snacking. Consume more protein and salads.

7. Exercise – join a group with senior exercises or look on YouTube. Balance is important. Neil and I take advantage of free Curtis Adams Senior Workouts.

8. Habits – give up and/or cut back every habit that is not beneficial. Cut the habit in half for 10 days, then repeat.

9. Walk – every day. Start with a block, aim for a mile.

10. Create an adventure – at least twice a month go somewhere that you haven’t been before. Seasonal fairs, farmers markets, a nearby town, zoo, aviary or aquarium. Have lunch and talk to strangers and/or make new friends.

11. Volunteer – share your skills at church, a food cupboard, library, etc.

12. Honor God – in every word and deed.

May you find God’s blessings in the Golden Years.

Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.