Show notes
What does it look like to continue to grow and learn, even in your 80s? In this episode, we’re closing out the “Seasons of Formation” series with our mentors Dick and Sybil Towner. The Towners share their faith journeys and vocational shifts–including Dick entering vocational ministry at 40, moving to Willow Creek in their mid-50s, and later taking over a failing retreat center in southern Indiana. They discuss rejecting “dropping out” retirement, leaning into gratitude amid physical diminishments, and focusing more on being present than producing. Influenced by Rolheiser’s Sacred Fire, they describe “giving your death away,” becoming true elders, and pursuing integrity through grieving, forgiving, and blessing, with Dick also sharing “Truths and Practices” he wrote for his family.CLICK HERE for your free resource on life stage questions.CLICK HERE for Dick’s 80th Birthday “Truths and Practices” resource.CLICK HERE to learn more about a personal download or subscription to oneLife Maps.00:00 Welcome and Series Setup00:46 Meet Dick and Sibyl01:54 Retreat Center Mission04:23 Early Faith Journeys06:38 Calling Into Ministry09:54 Family and Generations11:01 Move to Chicago Willow13:51 Inner Journey and Mentoring18:41 Midlife Challenges22:22 Rethinking Retirement25:03 Sacred Fire Story30:17 Giving Death Away32:00 Leap To The Springs33:53 One Way Ticket Faith36:29 Elderhood And Gratitude38:40 Letting Go To Lead46:13 Truths For Family53:29 Integration And Forgiveness55:21 Series Closing ThanksOther Resources:The Secret to Aging Well, with John and Nancy OrtbergLIFE MAPPING TOOLSGain clarity at life’s transitions and know yourself and God better through our visual life maps. CLICK HERE to learn more about oneLife Maps. Now available digitally!JOIN REALIFE CONVERSATIONS!REALIFE Conversations is our monthly 90-minute live call where you’ll engage in deep discussions facilitated by Sibyl Towner and Lindsay Sterchi. CLICK HERE to learn more and to sign up.JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITYCLICK HERE to become part of the FREE REALIFE Process® Community! Connect with Teresa & Lindsay and other podcast listeners, plus find additional content to help you discover your best REALIFE.READ TERESA’S BOOKBanish busyness and discover a new way of being productive around what truly matters. Learn more at DoWhatMattersBook.com.About Teresa McCloy:Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives.She lives with her husband of over four decades on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens, and traveling as much as possible. Connect with Teresa on Facebook or Instagram.About Lindsay Sterchi:Lindsay Sterchi is the Spiritual Formation Director at the REALIFE Process®. She also writes about habits and rhythms for the Mind, Body, and Soul for a holistic approach to spiritual growth and formation at lindsaysterchi.substack.com.She lives with her husband Tyler and elementary-aged twin daughters. She has an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary, and her background is in church ministry.When she’s not working or spending time with her family, you’re most likely to find her reading a good book. Connect with Lindsay on Facebook or Instagram.
