What Time Is It?

As I sit here in my little, and I truly mean small yard space this morning, my thoughts again turn to what am I doing here? At the age of 76 and living in a new location, making all new friends, establishing new routines and expectations, what am I truly doing here?

I’ve read the statement “Christians never retire!” so many times, it has ceased to have meaning for me. Christians do retire! My husband and I retired from the work force, me from an administrative position and him from church work back in 2011. We were both more than ready for that change and never regretted the decision. So yes, Christians do retire. My husband recently retired again as a realtor, a job that gave him a purpose for getting up and out of the house each morning and offered a social as well as service outlet for him. So what does it mean then that Christians never retire?

One of our prayers and greatest concerns when we moved to Plano, Texas a few months ago, was that Dick find purpose and new ways to serve and be used by God in ministry. He was called by God as a teenager to “special service” and God used him in church music ministry for 50 years. But, God used him in so many other ways besides music during those years. What would there be for him in this new place, a huge church where no one knew us or possibly even cared what we had done before?

God, in His faithfulness has opened doors we could not have even imagined for Dick to remain involved in ministry and service. God sent a special man named Allen to be our friend and guide to find places and opportunities for service.

My concern for myself wasn’t so great and aspirational. I am happy to be anonymous and off the radar. I have not been one to volunteer and my need for social interaction is not what it is for Dick. So being a retired Christian sounded pretty good and seemed to fit into my plan pretty well. And then!

And then I heard about volunteers being needed at our church’s pregnancy center. As I read about the needs, the Lord seemed to say, “I equipped and prepared you for this!” So, one day a week, I work at the front desk at one of our sites, welcoming, checking in young women who God has led to that Holy place for a purpose. Not knowing I needed a new purpose in my own life, He gave me one. For four hours a week, I can be the face a frightened, uncertain, excited mother-to-be sees, that hopefully will convey love and acceptance.

Allen invited us to go on a Senior Adult mission trip this summer with other people from our church. We did not feel led to do this; however, he asked if I would write a devotional for the participant’s daily private time of meditation. Another door opened for what God had gifted and prepared me to do.

Yes, Christians do retire, but we never retire from being a Christian. For many of us senior adults, our time is NOW! It is our time to seek those doors God is opening. “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my rock.’” (Psalm 92: 12, 14-15)

It is our time to follow the paths for which God has prepared and equipped us, as did the disciples. Jesus did not hand out pink slips to them at His ascension. Instead, he gave them a mission. “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

It is our time to be prayer warriors. I for one cannot move as fast as I did even a year ago, and that troubles me. I can however move mountains through prayer. The one thing I desire that my children and grandchildren can say about me is, “She prayed for me!” That is what I miss most about my deceased parents - their consistently lifting me to the Father. My mother faithfully prayed for missionaries on their birthdays every day. Prayer was her legacy to her children and grandchildren. May it also be mine as well that will bless a future I may never see.

Senior adults, let us never retire from God’s call on our life of service. Let us “fan into flame the gift of God.” (2 Timothy 1:6). Our light is still needed in this dark world. Our time is now!