The Sacred Process of Retirement
“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. ”
When Jill and I were married, we would say, “We’ll just plan to work forever.” When you are in your twenties, it is hard to imagine the aches and pains you feel as you age. Even in our forties, the discomfort is tiny in comparison to what you feel in your sixties and seventies. Even with the best of intentions, by our sixties, most of us have had at least one serious health issue. Retirement comes whether you plan for it or not. I am not qualified to provide financial advice, but I can offer emotional and spiritual support. I’ve had thousands of parishioners through the years who faced retirement. Focusing entirely on the financial aspect of retirement is common, but it is far from the only aspect of a meaningful retirement.
Continuing to experience a meaningful life is vital at every stage of life, especially in retirement. When we are young, we are striving for success. We focus on our occupation, relationships, and family. We experience meaning in different aspects of our lives. Parents sometimes struggle to matter after their children leave home, but work and other responsibilities tend to fill their time. For others, grown children and aging parents require almost all our time. It can feel like we matter too much.
Unless we plan for the emotional and spiritual aspect of retirement, it can hit us like a bat to the back of the head. New retirees who do not plan their process feel initial euphoria, but in a few weeks or months, the feeling changes to low-grade depression. Suddenly, the retiree feels lost and begins questioning whether they matter. Society tends to celebrate youth and treat retirees as if they have little left to offer, or worse, are a burden to society. Feelings of being a burden are exacerbated when health issues force retirement. Retirement requires as much planning and dedication as someone in their late teens and early twenties planning their future.
Fulfilled retirees are those who find their purpose and act on it. While retirees often have physical limitations, each one still has something to offer. The church can be a meaningful gateway to doing meaningful activities that matter. Churches provide care in various ways, so no matter your experience or interest, there are meaningful options that help others. Whether it is being a mentor to children or youth, reaching out to support a valuable community mission, or listening to and caring for the lonely, this meaningful work defines your life in retirement. Even if you are homebound, you may still be able to make phone calls, write letters, or send emails. You can be a lifeline to others. Trust God to empower each stage of your life, including your retirement years.
