Retirement?

This month I began a new season of life and retired from my full-time career. There is a lot I’d like to process on the concept of retirement and what it means for me so I thought I’d do some of that out loud with you.

Retirement is a relatively new phenomenon, coming into usage only within the last several hundred years. It began as a support for those unable to work due to infirmity of age. It only exists in societies where there are resources enough to be able to save for the future. Most of the world lives hand to mouth, the elderly surviving only because of the extended families in which they live. They still contribute to the household in whatever manner they are able.

Modern retirement is a luxury that we have somehow come to see as a right. But having financial freedom from paid work is a privilege. It is a gift of time that can be used for ministry, for service to the community, hospitality, care, and especially the gift of presence – all things that may have taken a back seat in other seasons. Our hedonistic culture says this is our time to do whatever feels good to do. We earned it. We deserve it. But God says otherwise, warning against idleness and selfish pursuits.  

But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 1 Timothy 5:6

As we step away from work, we get to take things slower. We can listen more and linger longer. I’ve already found that true. We can use our time to invest in the next generation, build into our church and ministries, and mentor (disciple!) those coming along. There is no Biblical model of retirement.[1] We don’t get to stop pursuing the kingdom. If we’re here, there is work for us to do.

I am processing what specifically this is going to look like for me - having the freedom to care for loved ones, rekindle friendships, return to teaching or other ministry. It is important to me to steward my time well between rest and relaxing and being diligent in serving. Like all seasons I need to keep listening to God’s leading, following the Spirit’s nudge and striving for a life of faithful obedience and love.

I’m grateful. Excited. A little nervous. And passionate about declaring God’s goodness as long as He gives me voice.  

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.  Psalm 71:18

I’d love your thoughts and perspectives – especially if you’ve already been walking this season.

[1] Except the Levitical priests needing to stop serving in the temple at age 50. They could, however, still serve their fellow priests. Number 8:23-26