On Retirement and Staying Busy

One of the great joys of retirement is that of "staying busy" as directed by the 'inner man" rather than by the world of outside pressure to perform at a certain time and in a certain way.  During our working years, routine and personal discipline are absolutely necessary if we want to get ourselves and our children to work and school on time.  Although I absolutely loved my job and could not wait to get to work each day, there were days when I just wanted to stay in bed all day and read -- particularly if the weather was cold and rainy.  Now, on occasion, I choose to do just that, and I say to myself, "This is the day you yearned for so many times while you were working."

Even in retirement, routine and personal discipline still play a major role.  The difference, however, is that we choose our routines and disciplines, rather than having them imposed from without.  Of course, if we have family obligations, such as baby-sitting for the grandkids or caring for a sick relative, we are not entirely free to lie in bed all day.  But also, it is our choice to impose the routine and discipline upon ourselves -- out of love and concern.  If we are volunteering, we may be staying quite busy, but in fact, it is not a burden for us to do so, but rather a joy--even if we are exhausted in the process because of our declining energy level.  In retirement, we are free to receive the gifts of others, and to freely give the gift of ourselves.  It must be the closest thing to experiencing heaven on earth.

I recall the famous answer given by the young boy who was carrying his little brother through the snow:  "He's not heavy, father; he's my brother."

Retirement is far from stagnation, but rather allows us finally the freedom to explore the avenues of growth and curiosity; it is still a time of learning and the excitement of discovery.   If we fail to use that time, we will stagnate into the old routines and find boredom on our doorstep.  But even when our health fails, there is often a way to keep the mind and spirit alive.  I would maintain that this time in our life is when our relationship with God becomes the most important of all---it is the fruition of all that has gone before in this regard, just as the relationship of a husband and wife in old age and no longer working depends entirely on what has gone before, during the working years.

I awoke this morning to a cold and dreary day, but since I had no pressing obligations, I decided to listen to 2 audio lectures from The Great Courses before I got out of bed.  Each lecture was 30 minutes; by the time I got out of bed an hour later, I was excited and energized by what I had learned and the day was no longer cold and dreary.  And then, when I arrived at my computer and read the entry from Jesus Calling for today, I read this:

I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend.  Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you.  The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with Me.  So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford.  As a result, they live and work in their own-strength -- until that becomes depleted.  Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness.

 

How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation.  If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more.  Your unhurried

pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age.  Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness.  Walk in the Light with me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world.