Third Calling: What are you doing the rest of your life? Paperback – August 2, 2016

Life does not end at age 65. Even if you retire from your job you are still just ending the 2/3 period of your life. So do you want to just loaf away the remaining 1/3 or do something meaningful. If so, maybe this book will inspire you!

I wish I had had Richard and Leona Bergstrom’s “Third Calling: What are you doing the rest of your life when I retired two years ago.The Bergstroms lead a Christian ministry called Re-Ignite, a faith-based organization aimed squarely at the Baby Boom generation who want to serve God and make a difference in the world. Through retreats, seminars, consulting, coaching, and a blog, Re-Ignite helps Baby Boomers do exactly that.The name “Third Calling” comes from the third of three stages of life. The first stage or calling is the young adult stage – launching a career, marriage, establishing a family. The second stage or calling is the years of middle age – peak career years, getting children through high school and into college. The third calling is the retirement period – empty nest (with adult children sometimes coming back hoe), career transformation, possibly caring for an aging parent.It’s significant that the Bergstroms refer to these three periods as “callings,” because, for Christians, that’s what they are – the specific actions and activities God has called us to do. They focus on the third period; for many if not most of us, it can be just as confusing as the earlier callings.“Third Calling” offers a step-by-step process for understanding what this period of life is about, and what you can be doing. Retirement may be an American cultural concept, but it is not a concept found in the Bible.What you will find is a discussion about knowing your purpose, pursuing your dreams, understanding your values, exploring new worlds, and navigating both deep and shallow waters. Doing this is work – the book does include practical exercises, but they are not something that can be dashed off in a spare 20 minutes. This period of your life is just as important as the earlier ones, and just as much work is going to be involved.And while it is written from a Christian perspective, it can be helpful to anyone embarking upon this third major period of life.As I mentioned, I wish I had had “Third Calling” two years ago as part of my retirement planning. But I do have it now. And now comes the work – the welcome work.

The Bergstrom's lay out the what, why, and how map for the last third of life. It's a book for individuals, but could easily be used in group settings as well.

The 'third calling' concept is helpful.The book is uneven. Too much about the authors themselves, and their endeavors, and some parts read a little like self-promotion. Some disappointing references to poorly-chosen organizations. What is Disney doing in a book of Christian inspiration. Not an awful book, but it has much room for improvement. Find another better book.

I SO related to this book. I was not too deep into the pages when I thought..."did I write this?", because so much of my life paralleled Richards' in so many ways. Our career paths were similar and I can't help but believe there are many out there who can relate. Both of the Bergstrom's identify a common thread in so many people's lives. My current struggle is separating myself from the mindset of my past career and plunging into something different. One's Third Calling may happen at any age, but admitting to that can be a real challenge and the authors address that we do have options.

I read the book and I realized quickly at 86 I am not the target area. As I read I became very aware that I have Boomer children. I feel much more confident in discussing their lives and the Way they need to view what's next. They need to realize that this is the most important stage right one. My recommendation is that all generations assist each other. The Bergstrom's are making a tremendous contribution to all of us. Thanks Richard and Leona.

I am on the leadership team of a new nonprofit whose aim is to support the families of addicts. I am the oldest member of the organization and most are not Christians. This book has given me some great tools to use as I figure out my role in this group. Even though they are mostly in their 30s and 40s there are ideas I can present that will help us set goals and purpose. Loved the honesty and wisdom.

This book is thought provoking, and offers some great activities for planning the rest of your life.Give it a try.