I don’t think I talk about this part of my life very much at all, but I work in Europe on a regular basis with a ministry organization that has designed a process for planting churches in any European culture and in almost any denomination. I work on the US side with partners who support the work of my European friends, being a sort of “bridge” between the work going on in the field and those who believe in the work enough to support it in various ways. I’m exposed to lots of interesting people.
Recently, I met with a Missions Committee at one of our partner churches that left me speechless – sitting around tables with lots of retired people whose enthusiasm to work in ministry was palpable. In my head I kept saying over and over – these folks are living out “don’t waste your retirement” in multiple ways. Two of the men had been to seminary and had their degrees. One had been in Uganda training pastors – and in one of the most challenging cities in that country. One was a retired CRU worker whose retirement had not caused her to drop her passion, but just opened new doors to keep moving. This church has an unusually generous mission budget that supports multiple ministries all over the world – and the average age of their congregation is mid-sixties!
I was captivated by each one of them and wanted to know their personal stories…but time did not allow that. So I plan to take some time on occasion to touch base with them, perhaps even get to a church service to experience their passion and commitment to not waste their retirement. Right now my impression is that they are a shining example of folks who believe you don’t stop working for what you’re passionate about just because you retire. You grab hold of all the opportunities you have before you and keep forging ahead to serve and to give.
What’s on your agenda over the summer? How will you be able to serve your family, your community, the world? What’s on your heart that you can’t seem to shake? Where do you see needs you can meet in your neighborhood, in your social network, in your family?
Let’s get the most out of these years – not only by relaxing and enjoying them through pursuing our recreational pleasures, but by finding our sweet spot for service, giving, loving.
Don't Waste Your Retirement 