~ Retired? ~

[Lani]

Psalm 71:17-21
17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.


The psalmist wrote, "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." Psalm 71:18 (NIV)


A few years ago, I retired after working for most of my adult life. At first I gloried in the fact that each morning I could step out on my front porch, take a sip of my coffee and wave goodbye to my neighbors as they went off to work. This euphoria soon gave way to a feeling of restlessness and boredom. I realized that for me to enjoy retirement, I had to see it as a means to an end, not an end itself. Soon I was teaching Bible studies, leading wormen's groups, mentoring, and writing. In time, my retirement days were filled with many enjoyable and meaningful pursuits.

In a day when youth is glamorized, it seems to me that the older generation is sometimes seens as a bothersome, nonessential collection of those awaiting life's end. Scripture knows nothing of that mindset. In fact, the psalmist prayed to be able to continue declaring the wonders of God "even when I am old and gray." We do not retire from serving God. In many cases, our greatest opportunities to serve come in our later years. My life today is filled with a wealth of activities I could never have imagined when I was young. In fact, I feel as if my life is just getting started.


Prayer: Help us, Father, to see aging as a time for new possibilities. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Those recently Retired

Thought for the Day: Every day is a good day to serve God

Story shared by: M. Baird (TX)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/12/11