The Meaning of Retirement
The Meaning of Retirement - What questions should we be asking?
Retirement means different things to different people. Where did you get your concept of retirement? For so many “retirement” has become the major future event they are anticipating and striving for without considering the question of why - Why retire? At what age, 65? Why not 70 or even later? Or as a Christian asking the question of “What would God have me do?”
Everyone asks the question, “how much is enough?” But few ask one that is just as important, “Retire to what?” Retirement should not mean taking still-productive minds and bodies and laying them on the beach or losing them on the golf course. While “doing nothing” may sound appealing, it rarely leads to a sense of significance; on the contrary it often leads to a sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction.
When you retire there has to be enough purpose to wake up in the morning and enough money to sleep at night. With good planning you can have enough money. What are you doing about having enough purpose? Ephesians 2:10
Consider the following:
What observations have you made watching others retire?
How does retiring help you fulfill God’s purpose for your life?
How will you use your time, talents and effort in new and different ways?
Retirement is an opportunity to turn your focus from income producing pursuits to other activities you may be uniquely gifted for and passionate about. These later years are, often times, the most fruitful years where you can be truly significant in the lives of others. You might consider trying new things, volunteering in new ways, and don’t get stuck or discouraged in our experience it take’s exploring a few different avenues before you find the one that’s right for you.
So as you plan for retirement and this next season ask yourself what are your gifts, passions and the needs of the community, or kingdom, around you.