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| photo copyright, Edie Melson |
Do not be shaped by this
world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be
able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing
to him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2
Tonight my husband and I
were out, and I snapped some sunset pictures. As I watched the sun sink and the
clouds reflect its glory, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own life. It’s been
kind of a banner year.
This past January I turned
50. I know we tend to consider 50 middle age, but that’s only if I live to be
100. Kind of a sobering thought. This year too, our youngest graduated high
school and began college. We are entering a new phase of life.
I am at a cross roads of
sort. Society would tell me to look toward retirement. To spending my golden
years traveling and indulging in the things I’ve never had time for. I should
be working harder than ever so that I can build up the savings that will see me
through to the end of my life.
But when I look at what God
says, I see nothing in the Bible about retirement. I see great men and women of
the Bible being an active and useful part of God’s purpose. As a matter of
fact, many of the most useful were well past 80.
So I am looking forward to
indulging in the things I’ve never had time for—but it’s not retirement. I’m
looking forward to being more available to God’s call. I want to be able to be
used, forgive the cliché—at the drop of a hat, unencumbered with the
responsibilities of young children.
What are you looking forward
to?
50 does seem to be a landmark year. But it's WAY too young to think about retirement. God has much more in store for our lives and staying alert to that fact, and seeking His will is absolutely what we need to do.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about retirement not being in t he Bible before. Good point.
I so agree, Edie. I never plan to retire. I don't know when I'd have time. lol
ReplyDeleteI turned 50 in April and my husband turns 50 next month. My youngest also graduated from high school this year. We thought we'd be empty nesters by now, but our nest is actually growing. I, too, am seeking God's will for my life in this new phase. I never want to sit in a rocker and stare at a TV! I want to be used by Him for whatever He desires!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post/subject. After seeing loved ones die way before they met their 50th birthday, I'm grateful to have more time to accomplish my dreams. Yet, I hate landmark birthdays because so many believe that if you don't achieve something (can I whisper the words: like publishing a book?) by such and such year, you'll never will. I am so grateful that God--who knows exactly how many more years I have in my life--doesn't shrug at me because I'm X years old and walks away, thinking there's no hope.
ReplyDeleteBelated birthday wishes, Edie :)
I have been there. I have felt the same way.Retirement was an unknown to this busy, pastor's wife, mother of two, grandmother, great grandmother,and full time health care executive. That unknown brought fear to my heart and my body to my knees. But I will turn 75 in two weeks... God has opened up all kinds of new avenues for me to serve Him in retirement. Retirement is not sitting in front of the TV. It is in giving of myself in unimaginable places and situations... As a Volunteer in Mission in Cuba, Guyana, Russia, Haiti, Bolivia, Zimbabawe, and Israel too.I'm leading a Women's Bible Study group at church. Even my interest in photography and writing became an avenue to share my journey of faith. Each day I ask the Lord to show me something I can do for someone in need. He has answered that prayer every day of my retirement years. I trust Him to continue to do the same in the days and years ahead. My rocker is the place I sit in silence before Him, share my morning devotions and pray for the long list of people in need of His presence, the missionaries in service at home and over seas, my family,the ill, homeless, our faith community and so much more. My rocker transports me to His very presence. I asked for ..."just a closer walk with Him" during these years ... daily He answers my prayer, enriching my life in our walk together.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to each of you.Trust Him!
Vi at 75...
Love this Edie! I spent my first 50 years in the nursing profession and have now launched into a whole new career at age 60+. I hope God uses me for a long time to come to help others improve their writing craft and get published.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you, Edie! I never want to be sitting in a rocker simply watching TV.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to come across this post! It's all the things I've been thinking (worrying) about - turning 50, retirement, doing something more than what I'm doing now with my life. One chapter ends, another starts. Somewhat reluctantly but with some excitement. What am I looking forward to? Grandchildren. More quality family time. Salvation of family members.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Edie! (I know this is from a ways back but I've been on the road to spend time with a new granddaughter so I'm trying to catch up.)
ReplyDeleteWhen God called me to write Storms of Life (my first writing experience), I was 52. As an engineer, writing a Bible study was way out of my league - but not out of God's! Now that Storms of Life is published, I am eager to finish the next study God has called me to write. I'm certainly not ready to retire yet!