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Retirement
by Janet Riley Why does it seem like everyone else in the whole world has retired except me? On the other hand, retirement is a relatively new invention. I don't know that Moses or Paul or others in the Bible ever "retired". So what does God want "retirees" to do? Since I don't like to cook, I moved into some senior apartments where they have planned activities and provide three meals a day. When I moved in, the management knew I still worked, so they fix me lunches I take to work. It is hard being the only resident that has to get up every morning and head out for work. There are staff members who come to where I live for their work day, but it is not quite the same thing as me being the only "non-retiree" in the building. There is all sorts of financial advise on when to retire, and when to start taking social security. Do you do it when you are 62, or wait until you are older and get a larger monthly check for waiting? I know that I want to do more with my retirement than just read books and play cards, which is all I see some retirees doing. I want to use my retirement for Christ. I want to have more time for prayer meetings, Christian ministry, more time for Jesus. I see friends and family members planning for their retirements. How do I find the balance between planning for retirement and still being open to God if He has other ideas? What if I plan and commit to so much I don't leave room for what God wants? At the same time I have to focus on the present moment, and see God in each day that I am working. I have to wait on His timing, until He tells me it is time to retire and move on to the next stage in my life. I have told God I want Him to decide when, not decide by a specific age or date that may not be His timing. For now, I need to stay in the present moment and be an ambassador for Christ where I am planted. To trust in God, and not lean unto my own understanding. To be thankful for each day as a gift. (C) Janet Riley, 2014. I know God as a personal God who communicates with us, if we listen. I am starting on a Christian writing career and open to where God leads me. Please review my other articles at FaithWriters. I would like to hear from you. Please email at [email protected]. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |