A Leisure Smorgasbord

STAYING BUSY in retirement is really not that different from working full-time for Dr. Larry Hodges, a former college professor living in southwest Missouri. Leisure interests developed during childhood, adolescence, and earlier adult years have carried over into his late 60s. In fact, these interests have blossomed into a genuine smorgasbord of leisure activities.

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Tennis, water skiing, snow skiing, biking, hiking, and running are physical activities which Larry continues to enjoy. Recently he participated in two 10-k races. In addition, Larry attends tennis matches as well as basketball, football, and soccer games, and he loves watching a variety of sports on television.

Reading is also a favorite free-time activity for Larry. History, theology, and philosophy are special interests; he is a regular reader of the Smithsonian magazine and National Geographic; plus, he enjoys devotional literature, newspapers, and other practical material. Reading topics of interest online following a Google search is an added pleasure.

Going to museums - especially those which include art, or artifacts of other cultures - is always an attraction for this former professor. Spending leisure hours creating watercolors, or other works of art, also has a special appeal for him. And, photography continues to be one of his favorite hobbies.

Travel is high on the list of Larry's most enjoyable leisure experiences. At an early age, because of his father's influence, he was an arm-chair traveler. Through the years, his interest in the world has taken him all over the globe. In addition to seeing beautiful sites and meeting new people, many of his journeys have been mission trips. He has been in over 17 countries, including travel to India five times, and Africa three times. This love of going, seeing, and doing things in other places has carried over to the present day. Now, frequent trips are planned to Iowa, Washington State, and Texas to see children, grandchildren, and other family members.

Coming out of a background of 40 years in higher education, Larry developed a love for students and a passion for teaching. But in the expanded leisure hours of retirement, he is involved in "a teaching extension" just for pure joy. Now, he is regularly involved in teaching at a juvenile detention center and in churches. He is also on the list to serve as a substitute teacher in his home town high school.

Life itself is exciting for Larry. He is comfortable with his lifestyle. He has a deep joy in learning. He attempts in every way possible to have a balanced life. He desires to keep on growing in all areas of total person-hood: mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. Recorded in the Bible from Proverbs 3:5-6 are the words which have become his "life verses" from the King James Version: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

While some obligations, duties, and work responsibilities still exist at home for this retired professor, he has learned to mix these necessities of life with a variety of outside interests and recreational pursuits. And, for Larry Hodges, these fun-filled activities are all a part of the spread on his own personal leisure smorgasbord!

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-- Dr. Larry Hodges, pictured above, and his wife Nancy live in Bolivar, Mo.