“Is there going to be a Minute next week?” my Mom asked Saturday. “Yup,” I said. “I learned a lot from the old people.”
Friday, I went to gay Paree to celebrate my mother’s 95th birthday, and I saw retirees enjoy unhurried time with one another. I needed that. I’m still a newbie to retirement, not yet freed in my head from the company’s, the Seminary’s, incessant demands. The retirees who joined Mom on Friday are experienced, and they modeled for me a goodness in this time of life. They obviously see life from their own experiences, good and bad, but they see their present and future through faith in Christ. For Christians, that includes what’s ahead, commending their spirit to God, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. These folks at Grace Lutheran Village in Paris, Illinois, are “studying” the Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Perhaps you’re younger, still at the beck and call of the company? That is not a necessary evil, but a good work God has called you to do in this world but be jealous for your first love. Carve out space, have time to “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Catching rest now as you can is the wisest of all preparations for retirement and beyond.
My Mom followed up, “So, old people are good for something?” “Oh, yeah!” Thanks, retirees for showing me how to enjoy the moment. And Happy Birthday, Mom!
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