Reluctant Retiree

I am not the wisest person on earth. I say that confidently based on experience. I have tried and failed in many ventures, even when I was confident that I knew what I was doing. I have seen seemingly less gifted people accomplish much more than I have. I don’t know where this misplaced confidence in my wisdom comes from, but it is not serving me well.

I regret not having mentors and counselors in my life. For the most part, I have relied on my own thoughts and experiences. What a limited knowledge base that is! How can anyone expect to consistently flourish based on their own wisdom?

Proverbs 13:10 says, “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” Wisdom comes from God and the collective knowledge of His people. We should study God’s Word and seek counsel from wise advisors. Then we will be prepared for growth and success.

I have never spent much time looking at myself in a mirror. In fact, I can go days without looking at a mirror. Sometimes when I do look in a mirror I am surprised by what I see. The bald spot on the back of my head caught me by surprise, even though I am sure it had been growing for some time. Months after I had lost a lot of weight I was aghast at the loose skin dangling from parts of my body. In fact I was previously unaware of how large I had gotten.

All of us have blind spots, though most of us are aware of physical changes to our bodies. We have blind spots in our personalities and actions that we only become aware of through relationships. If we are not sufficiently circumspect and aware, we will bring hurt to these relationships.

I Corinthians 13:11-12 says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” We must be more fully aware of our faults than I am of my physical changes. Where there is sin we must confess it and ask God to transform us by His Spirit. Where there is damaged relationships, we must seek reconciliation. God knows us fully and He still loves us. However, He wants us to grow in godliness. So look into the mirror and examine your soul. Then ask God to change you in the ways that He desires.

When I was young, I would often tell little lies. Sometimes I lied to try to stay out of trouble. Other times I lied to make myself look good. I remember getting caught in a lie in third grade. Our assignment was to give an oral book report on a book we had just read. I didn’t like to read so I completely made up the book report. After my oral report, the teacher asked me a couple questions about the book. Again I made up my answers. She wasn’t fooled at all and I received a failing grade.

Unfortunately I didn’t learn my lesson, but rather got more sophisticated in lying as I got older. It is funny but sad that we adults can deceive others and think we have done nothing wrong. Exaggeration is an accepted form of communication, but is still meant to deceive. Little white lies are considered harmless even when they are intended to hurt others.

God has a zero tolerance policy regarding lies and deceit. Psalm 101:7 says, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” God turns away from the person who tries to deceive others, no matter how innocent the lies may seem to us.

Music is playing everywhere these days. Restaurants, stores, and even the dentist’s office are playing music over their sound systems. People are plugged into music as they travel and as they walk.

As I get older I cherish quietness. I would prefer to eat in relative silence and I don’t need music in my ears as I walk down the street. I do enjoy music and understand how it can set a mood and drown out annoying sounds.

Music has always played a major role in godly worship. King David was a musician and wrote most of the songs recorded in the Bible. Hymns and worship songs still lead God’s people in bringing praise to our Heavenly Father. Psalm 100:1 says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing.”

Music that brings us into God’s presence by worshipping Him brings joy to our hearts and calms our weary souls. Sing it out!

As I have mentioned before, I am an avid walker. I began this avocation after brain surgery a couple years ago, as a way to regain my strength. It grew over time to the point where I now walk 10-12 miles per day. I enjoy the time outdoors, often communing with God.

Each day I get to choose which path I will take. Fortunately I have many good trails to select from. I most enjoy the nature trails close to home. Growing up in Southern California and spending a lot of time at the beach, I especially enjoy the trails alongside rivers and ponds.

I think we can all agree that it is vitally important to choose the right paths in life. Good paths take us through good marriages, schooling, and jobs. Bad choices can lead us to destruction.

God gives us warnings, direction, and promises regarding path selection in Psalm 1:1-3: “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.”

In these verses we are warned to stay away from the path of sin. We are directed to do all that the Lord wants us to do. If we do that, we are promised a fruitful and prosperous life. Which trail will you choose to walk today?