Ready to Re-Tire?

Sometimes I think my body is like an old motor home racking up the miles. Even though I hear more creaks and squeaks, my journey has been quite pleasant.

Sure, I’ve experienced breakdowns. More than once God has had to overhaul my heart when the sludge of worry, doubt and fear built up and wrecked my electrical system (nerves). I’ve had mishaps when I lost my way because I ignored God’s map (His Word). I’ve even run off the road into the ditch of despair once or twice. But I’ve been repaired by the Great Mechanic many times.

I recently zipped past the midpoint of another decade. It seems as though I’m picking up speed like a NASCAR driver racing down the straightaway toward the finish line. As the days fly by, scenes of retirement tantalize me in my peripheral vision. So I’ve often wondered, Should I drop out of the race, put myself up on blocks and retire? I have to admit it is inviting.

Living on cruise control

All my life, I’ve envisioned an early retirement. I’d park myself on a scenic overlook and idle my motor. On sunny days, I’d run here and there on cruise control (but only on smooth pavement, of course).

But lately, as good as a retirement sometimes sounds, my plan of action (or should I say inaction?) doesn’t seem as appealing as I initially thought. Do I want to while away my last decades pleasing only myself as I meander toward the heavenly gates? I doubt I would find satisfaction and fulfillment in finishing my life on cruise control.

What do I mean by cruise control? I’m referring to a mindless way of living without direction or purpose.

Occasional carefree days are fun and even refreshing. Getting away from our frenetic pace can bring restoration. But if we constantly escape into those cul-de-sacs of no responsibility, it just might become too easy to park there.

Living only for our own pleasure can also detour us from God’s path of true joy and fulfillment. Do you want a joyful life? “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:11).

We’ve all seen people cruising in me-first mode, bumping others out of their way. On the contrary, I want to make my life — all of it — count for Christ.

On the right road

God has placed a longing in the human heart to do meaningful things in each phase of life. I’ve been inspired by retired friends who have found new ways to serve the Lord as they age. Two couples I know are hosts at overseas mission guesthouses, and they love it! Another couple moved from Texas to Wisconsin to work year-round doing maintenance and kitchen duty at a Christian camp.

Some friends who cannot leave their homes for various reasons have discovered such opportunities as grading Bible lessons from inmates at a local prison, writing uplifting notes to those facing difficulties or helping with a phone ministry. One dear friend who is bedridden prays daily for the specific needs of her church family.

Switching speeds

With all this in mind, I’ve decided to put new rubber on my tires, keep my gas tank full and get a fresh tune-up. Oh yes — sometimes I’ll have to throttle ahead or drop my speed. And most likely I’ll spend more time in the mechanic’s shop. But as I near “retirement age,” I’m revising my plans.

Why? Because I know that one day I’ll trade in my earthly chassis to stand at the gates of heaven. There I’ll give account for my journey. Did I take advantage of those God-given opportunities, or did I live on cruise control? Did my engine break down a lot — or did I keep my heart in tune with the Lord?

Believe me, I don’t want to pull across the finish line without any sign of being put to good use. I want to finish well, bearing the dents and scratches of an exciting ride.