B87 TRIVIA GAME #25
7 June | 8:07 AM Manila
Fifty-six and Becoming
Plans, Prayers, and Possibilities
G. Jo Tadeo-Marcelo
4/27/20262 min read
Several thoughts have been crashing into my head lately, like unruly extras on a set with no director.
First: on-air sales. Or rather, the lack thereof. The company has been struggling, budgets are tightening, and suddenly retirement doesn’t feel like a distant concept meant for other people with orthopedic shoes. It feels… administrative. Practical. Almost polite.
So I ask myself: Should I retire already and enjoy what I’ve worked hard for the past 25 years? Followed immediately by the more haunting sequel: If I retire now and decide to travel the world while my knees still cooperate, how long will this fund last me—three continents or just Southeast Asia and one ill-advised souvenir scarf in Paris?
Then comes the next act: What do I do after retirement? Because contrary to popular belief, I don’t think I’m built for a life of endless morning walks, early dinners, and commenting “wow amen” on Facebook posts before noon.
Which leads me to ministry thoughts. When I finally become active at CCF, which ministry do I choose?
Production—because lights, cameras, and chaos feel familiar?
Finance—because I suddenly care deeply about numbers now?
Evangelism—because maybe God wants to laugh and see me out of my comfort zone?
Discipleship—though I keep wondering, am I even qualified to shepherd anyone when I’m still herding my own thoughts?
Also: hobbies. Should I pursue one? Or another one? I love journaling. I always have. Should I write a book? Who would read it? (Besides me, future me, and maybe someone accidentally buying it online thinking it’s a devotional.)
And then—because why not add emotional seasoning—there’s the question of dating. Marrying again. At 56. Am I brave? Delusional? Optimistic? All of the above? Do dating apps even have a checkbox for “emotionally available but also tired”? Hay naku.
What started as anxiety over low sales somehow turned into a full-life audit. Career. Money. Faith. Purpose. Love. Paper cuts from old journals. And the funny thing is—56 suddenly doesn’t feel old at all. It feels… wide. Like a door slightly open, creaking, daring me to peek inside.
Apparently, the plot twist is not retirement. The plot twist is realizing I still have so many possible storylines. Now if only someone could tell me which one is God-ordained, budget-approved, emotionally safe, and comes with good lighting.
“In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
Still planning. Still trusting. Still very much in the story.
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