I Signed Up for Social Security Benefits Yesterday

One reason that it is even possible that I could adjust my work schedule to part-time is that I'm about to reach the age that a person born in my year can apply for full Social Security benefits.

We've been living on a reduced income for several years, and getting by because we have virtually no debt and few expenses beyond what's required for basic living...and we're content with that, mostly.

Evie applied early for Social Security three years ago, and gets reduced benefits, plus worked part-time, until recently.

Still, the payments we receive will amount to a slight reduction in our income. We'll have to pick up Medicare Part B, which will require buying supplemental insurance.

Even with the part-time manager's pay, we'll probably end up having less to live on than we did before.

From time to time, I think wistfully about what would have happened if I'd set aside my principles and played the CGGC parish priest game after I stopped believing in it and moved on to another church, say 10 years ago. Faith, then, could have remained an institutional church with new parish priest leadership.

I'd have had a much higher income, even if I settled for a small church and gotten all the tax benefits parish priests get.

But, that doesn't last long.

There are things much more important than money, especially to an idealist. We have the peace that comes with an uncompromised life...which is, probably, more important to an idealist like me than it is to others.

Idealism definitely has its issues, as, say, John the Baptist eventually found out.

And, I must say that the Lord has taken care of us. We have a place to live that is comfortable and secure.

Still, more and more, I'm remembering that our number of tomorrows in this life are limited.

The Social Security thing was something out there that I used to think of in a sort of abstract, theoretical way...but no more.

It's about to become my reality.

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Incidentally, I applied on line. I'm not great with stuff like that, and it was a little frustrating but, in the end, the Social Security Administration confirmed that my application was received and I can check up on the progress of my application at my leisure.

Getting older: I wish I could repent of that.