Just before I retired people would often ask me, “What are you planning to do in retirement?” I never had an answer for that as I hadn’t planned on retiring.
After I retired, the question that they asked was, “So you got this retirement thing down pat?” I didn’t have an answer for that either. To be honest, I didn’t know what to do. I knew that I didn’t want to just sit around the house, but I didn’t want to be committed to a lot of activities that I may not continue to enjoy.
So I volunteered to help in several good causes. Despite advertising that they wanted help, none of these organizations accepted my offers to help. As time went on, it became pretty frustrating.
Between the constant questioning from friends and family, and the rejections, I was not a happy camper. My attitude began to take a nosedive and I was not particularly easy to live with.
I prayed about the situation often. I heard God say, “Wait upon Me. I have something for you.” Sure enough opportunities did begin to open up. God led me to a number of places where I could help with compassion ministries. I started to mentor men at the rescue mission and other places. He gave me several other opportunities to serve others in short term assignments. These ministries helped me to feel better about retirement and myself.
After a couple of years, God gave us the opportunity to help a fantastic group and really be His hands and feet to serve others. Tune in next time for that story.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Reluctant Retiree 