Are You Ready to Retire?

Jen’s Gem: Your life purpose is in God’s hands.

This past week I celebrated my birthday. I had a great day filled with thoughtful gifts, gorgeous flowers, heartfelt birthday messages, and fun times with my children and friends. The week was also marked by the launch of my Elevate the Day podcast and a photo shoot for my new website. A rolling stone gathers no moss they say!

I’m not one to sit still. There’s always some sort of project going on whether it’s related to my work, home, or family. I like being busy and productive. Relaxing is difficult for me and so this week when I had a few days off, I found myself whirring about my days crossing items off of my to-do list that have been languishing.

While it may seem that I “wasted” my vacation because I didn’t take time to rest, there was an even keel to the time – it was well-balanced. I was free to do whatever I wanted with my days and I got a little taste of what retired people must feel like when they greet each new day able to fill it with whatever task they choose.

With a daughter in college and a mortgage, retirement is a word that is not in my vocabulary right now, nor do I think it ever will be. The combination of my Type A personality and my need to be productive will see to that!

I have to wonder if my “busy-bee” personality came from my father. He always had something going on, whether it was his role as a music teacher, a performer, or running his music store. He retired from teaching after I graduated college and noted several times that he regretted this decision as he struggled to fill his days with meaningful activities.

I don’t think I’ll have that problem, not simply because of my personality, but because I think God’s plans for me don’t come to a screeching halt just because of another birthday. He doesn’t say, “Ok Jen, you’ve done enough. Time to cash in that IRA and chill for the rest of your time on the earth.”

His plans for me and you, purposed before the creation of the world, start from the moment of our birth to our last breath. These plans are thoughtful and designed specifically for each of us, based upon the gifts and talents He has provided.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
 
“I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows.)” (John 10:10 AMPC)

The Bible verses above do not say anything about retirement. They don’t say that God’s thoughts about our future only last until retirement age. No, they are from day one until our last day. This tells me that if God is thinking of me every day of my life, then He’s got something cooking. God likes being busy too.

Our gifts and talents were given to us so that we could glorify the One who gave them. Therefore, it would stand to reason that we should be using them in some way, shape, or form every day of our lives. I think if my Dad had continued to use his musical gifts in his retirement, that he would’ve felt a stronger sense of purpose as the years ticked by.

God’s dream and purpose for our lives do not have an expiration date. He wants us to find our callings as soon as possible so that we can live out His plans for us. So many people struggle with what they are called to do. They flit from this thing to that in search of their purpose. I know what this feels like. It’s frustrating to the point of being maddening.

“Why am I here?” “What am I supposed to be doing with my life?” These were questions that dogged me for more years than I care to admit. I searched high and low, consulted with a bazillion people, but got no clear answers. Oh sure they gave me some clues, but it wasn’t until I began to ask the Person who created me what the plan was for my life that I got the right answer.

Take a moment to re-read Jeremiah 29:11. Who knows the thoughts and plans for our lives? God does! He created us – so therefore, He knows. The creator of any creation knows its purpose. Edison knew what the light bulb was supposed to do. Alexander Graham Bell knew what the phone was supposed to do. Albert Einstein knew what the theory of relativity meant.

No one in their right mind would ask Edison what the phone was for or Bell what the light bulb was for. If they really wanted to understand how the phone worked, they’d spend time talking to Bell about it. That’s what we need to do with God if we want to find out our purpose. Talk to Him about it. 

This week, if you are searching for your life purpose, I’d like to encourage you to meditate on the two Scriptures I provided above. Spend time in prayer asking God what His plans are for you. What are His hopes and dreams for your life?

When you consult with the Creator of those plans, you can be sure you’ll never want to retire.

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