Retirement – Llove it/Hate it

I talk to people who are retired. One does that when one is getting very old and recognizes that continuing in the fast lane is becoming more difficult from both a physical and mental perspective.

What I am finding is a difficult problem. Some folks say it was the best decision they ever made – this retirement thing.  They are happy, comfortable, busy with things they have always wanted to do, and would do it again, only maybe sooner.

Then there are those who are just miserable. They would return to their career or job today if the possibility existed. They can’t find much that excites them into getting up each morning, and they are confident that if they were back in the workforce they would be much happier than they currently are, maybe happier than they have ever been – discovering the value and excitement of meaningful work.

One of the people I admire most told me a few days ago that she thought  people ought to retire at 45, take 20 years to enjoy the beauty of life without the necessity of working 9 to 5 six days a week, and then return to full employment at 65, through to the end. I’ll write my Congressman about the Social Security change to accommodate that. We will probably need to talk seriously with employers about that age thing as well.

So what’s the answer to the dilemma? Retire – Don’t retire. Now that I am approaching 45 – we need to get this settled.

One thing from which we must not retire is our faithfulness to the Church of Jesus Christ. Our commitment to the family of God on Earth is a lifetime joy. Age enhances our ability to be wise in ministry to others. From all that God has taught us, we can pass along the Truth of life. Don’t give up on your Church just because you don’t go to a job every day. Keep giving as long as God gives you life.