Retirement: A New Beginning

As we grow older, major changes often take command of our lives.   The death of a husband or divorce may trigger a network of issues that make it difficult to face each day.  A move from the loss of a home, or even downsizing, may bring on depression.  The feeling of being no longer needed by children who are now grown or away at college can leave us feeling abandoned and useless.  At some point in our lives, change affects us all, particularly as we approach retirement age. 

Most of us look forward to retiring from work with much anticipation. We imagine lazy mornings, not having to fight the cold or traffic.  We envision cozy conversations over coffee with spouses or friends, and restful sleep without worry of what time we have to get up or what we’ll wear to work.  But often, retirement doesn’t come with such sweet idleness.  Sometimes finances force us to take on another job, hopefully less demanding and with fewer hours.  And sometimes, we discover that retirement isn’t all it was cracked up to be, and we’re either bored with too much free time or we see retirement as an opportunity to try something new. The good news is that it’s never too late.  

Women are starting over every day.   Many are waiting until their late forties to become parents.  We are switching careers at midlife and beyond. We are going back to school to get that diploma we didn’t get when we were too busy raising our families.  We are starting that business we never had time for, following that dream deferred.  And that’s great!

But even more of us are holding back when we reach that age of transition.  We feel that it’s too late, that opportunity has passed us by.  We find excuses not to pursue those dreams: lack of money, a degree, or experience.  We dwell on what might have been, instead of making our dreams come true.  After all, we’re just too old.

In Today’s World, a writing journal by Joel and Victoria Osteen, they discuss what keeps us from following our dreams: 

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Psalm 34: 10 (NLT) 

So often we think, If I had more money, I could accomplish my dreams. If I had this or that, or knew the right people, I could do something great.” But as long as you feel as though you’re lacking or that you were shortchanged, you’ll make excuses to be less than your best.

Today, get a new perspective.  God has given you exactly what you need for the season that you’re in.  You have the talent, the friends, the connections, the resources, and the experience you need for right now.  It doesn’t mean that’s all you’re ever going to have. You may need more next month or next year. When that time comes, God will make sure that you have what you need. Because your trust is in the Lord, you don’t have to worry.  You will lack no good thing.

Remember, you are equipped, empowered, and anointed or this moment.  You are not lacking. You have what it takes, so take what you have and make the most of it. As long as you keep honoring God, He will give you what you need when you need it.

      After reading this, I realized how much it applied to the changes that come with retirement.  Take this opportunity, now that your time is more your own, to do something that you have always wanted to do.  Make a move, write a book, travel, or start a business. Do your due diligence and determine the best steps to take. What you choose to do can only make your life more rewarding, and after working hard for so many years, you deserve it.