Far More Important Than a 401k

I know it's mostly teenagers who read my blog (and teenagers at heart, Malissa!) I'm compelled to point out something more important to retirement than even a 401k.

Common civility and grace. Simple manners with our spouse built up before retirement will serve tremendously in infirmity and age. "Please" "Thank You" Requests instead of Demands (this in particular; when every call is a demand whether it's urgent or not, when a real emergency arises required spouse may not respond quickly, thinking it's same-old-same-old). Consideration goes a long way. I am here with my parents and they are both considerate to me, but not with each other. The resulting tension is thick, and resentment is palpable.

I find myself so convicted by how I treat my wife. What kind of account am I building up for our elderly years (which are approaching rapidly for me, but fortunately not her. Still, her arms represent a problem... who's going to push my wheelchair?)