Rev. Neil Dunnavant,
Executive Pastor
I am really enjoying my unexpected extra 4 months to serve as one of your pastors. I deeply appreciate all your best wishes and inquiries into what my life will be like after I leave at the end of February.
If you look up the word “retire” in a dictionary, the first definition is to give up an office or an occupation. The second definition is to go away, especially to be quiet. The root of the word retire is to draw back. The second definition does not appeal to me. It will be fine with me if my life gets even noisier, which it certainly may, if I spend a lot more time with my grandchildren in Asheville. I am thinking about my retirement as finishing up almost 40 years of pastoral work and beginning a different kind of work. I’m going to give myself some time to let this new work or new life unfold and not rush into anything.
But there are a few givens, provided I stay healthy, which will provide needed shape and routine to my days. Cooking healthy simple and delicious food on a regular basis. We love restaurants but love our own cooking far more. I still find restaurant food too rich and salty, with few exceptions. We have our own home and several rental properties to keep up. The work is ongoing and enjoyable. And a big farm in Patrick County, Va., in the hamlet of Claudville. Lots of brush to clear, trails to open, wood to cut. And some fun fishing, kayaking, and just walking around. As well as socializing with our friends there.
I also run at least 3 miles 5 or 6 days a week (mostly in the afternoon around Happy Hour — fun during and after the run) and am currently training for my first half-marathon (13 miles) in March. I have several running buddies, and this almost daily ritual is very important to me.
Kate and I would like to occasionally take advantage of travel deals like a week in Lisbon, Portugal, for a great price but you need to be flexible and spontaneous.
As for other projects or ventures, time will tell. Perhaps the thing I most treasure and look forward to is my continued friendships with you all and the transition from being your pastor to being your friend.
