Taking a look at the retirement years
There are important turning points in our lives, such as graduating from high school and college, getting married, starting a new job, the arrival of a child, or buying our first home. This time we wish to pay attention to another significant event: to retire from being gainfully employed. “PRAISE THE LORD WHO HAS GIVEN REST TO HIS PEOPLE …” 1 Kings 8:56.
Retirement is the well-deserved rest from working so hard for so many years. Not only should the older generation enjoy retirement, but the younger people also, for they will have the chance to advance by taking the vacated places of those who quit.
Words such as pension, Medicare, and Social Security cannot be found in the Bible. From the viewpoint of the spiritual life, retirement is an existential milestone, which closes a long period of employment and opens the door before a new decade or so, which can be happy or sad depending upon the circumstances.
“DON’T BE AFRAID; YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN MANY SPARROWS.” Luke 12:7.
As we analyze the new way of life introduced by retirement, we find a complex situation consisting of these basic factors:
n The FAMILY LIFE. The tight schedule that had to be followed for years is over. There is no need to hurry to go to work and come home as soon as possible.
n The FINANCIAL ASPECT. In most cases with retirement, financial security is also achieved. The expenses will go down. There will be time and money for hobby and travel.
n The PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT. There will be some who will be depressed, thinking that they are now discarded as useless. Also, there will be many who will utilize the free time by being more often with their loved ones and participating in social activities.
n The GREAT DILEMMA. Should we stay where we have been living for decades, remaining close to our friends and neighbors, or shall we move nearer to our children or go south where the climate is more favorable but the people are strangers?
The service the church can offer and receive, too:
n Since the relationship between him and her may change due to the fact that there is more time, the need is also greater for that CONNECTING POWER which keeps people together based on love, patience, and understanding. Often oppressed and hidden feelings will surface, creating a new situation favorable or unfavorable.
n When a retired couple moves to another state, they should not be living among completely strange neighbors because there is a congregation which would not only welcome them but also offer their friendship, fellowship, and help. A letter of recommendation from the previous pastor positively helps.
n When somebody is “down on the dumps” because one may think that he/she is not needed anymore and is too old to do something, then the reassuring message can be heard in the sanctuary: God loves us irrespective of our age or health. The financial independence, the great experience, and the free time available will make the retired folks wonderful volunteers, good Samaritans, and a gold mine for churches and organizations.
n While the physical power will decrease, the strengthened faith and renewed spiritual life will counterbalance the infirmities of the body. Retirement is not only the time of rest and fun but also a “grace period”
“WHILE WE HAVE THE CHANCE, WE MUST DO GOOD TO ALL …” Galatians 6:10 Jerusalem Bible.
n If the retired couple is “fed up” with the world, church, people, leaders, and politics, and from now on wishes to live in an undisturbed environment, far away from the hustling and bustling world, then let them hear the divine call to be missionaries of reconciliation, peace, and friendliness. If there is friction among the members of the family, this is the time to re-examine the past, ease the tension, and prepare the way for a better future. If the parents are too busy to take the grandchildren to church, grandpa and grandma will now have plenty of time to do so.
While the colleagues in the mine, steel mill or in the office said “Good bye! Have a nice time! Enjoy your retirement,” the church will say “You are welcome! Let us work together for God’s glory and our neighbors’ welfare, until we hear: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'” Matthew 25:23. Revised Standard Version.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.