By Norris Burkes Nov 17 2024
“Do you think you’ll ever fully retire?” my wife, Becky asks a few times a month.
“Definitely!
“Mostly.
“Maybe?” I say, adding an I-dunno-know for good measure.
She asks, because she knows I struggle sometimes to write this weekly syndicated column, travel to speak in different venues, and pastor a small church.
Trying to explain my reticence, I simply say, “I’m just not sure of the best timing.”
In past years, you readers have sent me many emails with quick and sound responses to my writings. You’ve rolled out the red carpet for me during our dozen+ years together, hosting me for speeches in your colleges, hospitals, churches and civic organizations.
You’ve traveled with me to Honduras for Chispa Project, the charity my daughter Sara began for establishing libraries in Honduran elementary schools. Many of you are generous, regular donors.
When I think of full retirement, I’m struck with a sudden case of FOMO. “Fear of Missing Out.” I don’t want to miss out on more wonderful exchanges, meetings, and friendships this writing ministry has brought to me.
But alas, I’ve come up with a compromised retirement, giving us at least two ways to stay in touch no matter when I fully retire.
First, I’d like you to sign up to get my weekly column by email. You can do this by sending me a quick email to comment@thechaplain.net.
Or even easier, sign up for my weekly email at www.thechaplain.net/newsletter. The website also contains everything I’ve ever written or will write. Check out the audio versions of past columns too. Remember to spell chaplain correctly, not chaplin. We’ve talked about this.
Second, while you’re on my website, consider ordering one or more of the four books I’ve written. These books are a compilation of my columns from the past twenty years. And of course, I’ll autograph them.
Keep the book on your nightstand or reading rack so you can read one 700-word story each time you crack open the book. You can read the books in any order and jump around between stories.
“No Small Miracles” contain stories I wrote as a pediatric hospital chaplain. “Hero’s Highway” recounts my deployment to a combat hospital in Iraq.
“Thriving Beyond Surviving” is a compilation book of the columns I wrote about faith, family, fun and forgivingness. And my most recent book, “Tell it to the Chaplain” recalls my chaplain experiences in the hospital, hospice, and the military.
The last section of “Tell it to the Chaplain” tells the story of Chispa Project, so I especially hope you’ll read that one. Thanks to readers like you, we’ve reached over 22,000 kids in Honduras get their first books by creating school libraries with my daughter’s charity.
To say thank you, and “spark” you into action one more time, my family and I will be matching all reader donations up to $5,000 postmarked between now and Giving Tuesday on December 3. I hope you’ll take up my challenge for this ambitious goal. You can donate online at www.chispaproject.org/chaplain or send a check made to “Chispa Project” to 10566 Combie Rd. Suite 6643 Auburn, CA 95602.
Every $100 gives 4 kids a school library, training their teachers and parents, and providing books, shelves and colorful, painted murals. There are no words that can completely describe the joy that fills a child’s face when they hold their first picture book. It’s why I go back year after year to volunteer. (Details for 2025 volunteer trips at www.chispaproject.org/volunteer)
Finally, know that I’m not completely retired. I remain the pastor of Community Church, Nevada City, CA. It’s a little country church of two dozen in California’s Sierra Gold Country. They’ve been patient with me, but they miss me when I travel at least 8 Sundays a year as grandkids and foreign adventures keep calling.
Keep me in your prayers and thoughts, as I will for you. Thank you, for your faithful reading and support.
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For an autographed copy of “Tell It To The Chaplain,” or any of my books, order from my website or send a check for $20 (per book) to 10566 Combie Rd. Suite 6643 Auburn, CA 95602. Email comments to comment@thechaplain.net or by text or voicemail to (843) 608-9715. See past columns and other books at website www.thechaplain.net.
