Question: If you could retire
tomorrow, what would you do?
As someone who never “retired” in the
strict sense of the word, I feel sorry for those who hang up their spurs, give
up their jobs, and believe that “retirement” will bring them happiness.
The Bible says nothing about
retirement. Moses was 80 when he began leading Israel from bondage. Admittedly,
Moses certainly had his work cut out for him. Spending 40 years in the
wilderness was not a walk in the park.
However, the point is this: What
would YOU do if you could retire?
Maybe you don’t want to retire because
you really like what you do. If so, why not continue to do it? If you really
enjoy working, why quit?
If you’re someone who really wants to
retire and play golf, go fishing, travel or do a thousand other “fun” things,
by all means, go right ahead!
The happiest people I know are
outwardly focused folks. They love being with others, enjoy the company of
family and friends, most often have a strong faith in God, love their community
(and show it), love their nation (and show it), and enjoy helping others.
Unfortunately, there is a “myth” that
draws people into mistaking “freedom” with happiness. Another problem is where
to go when you retire? We watched friends who went off to Florida to build a
new home, only to sell it a few years later, go to North Carolina and build a
new home, only to sell it a few years later and return to their home area to
build another home!
My great blessing is that I really
enjoy writing, so much so that it provides me with a sense of purpose that
leads to genuine fulfillment.
Let me close with this thought: Is
there something you have always wanted to do…but never tried it? What are you
waiting for? Retirement is only rewarding if it gives you a real sense of
purpose that leads to joy. The grass is NOT always greener (except, maybe, in
Ireland).
