PRIORITIES

As sons, daughters, husbands, wives, parents, employees, church members, and friends, we’ve dedicated our lives to serving others. But as adults, many of us struggle with the idea of doing nothing. We feel guilty and ashamed about not being productive on certain days. So, we fill our days with activities to avoid appearing lazy.

Amidst our busyness, God asks, “What about me?” We rush right through our day, doing this or that, and make little to no time for the One who created it all. During my harvest season, my retirement, I’m now free to spend more quality time serving God. I have made time for purpose.

During a conversation with a retired friend, the Holy Spirit reminded us that the concept of inaction as we know it may not always be accurate. In fact, stillness holds immense significance in achieving a balanced life. Within this stillness, extraordinary possibilities emerge, particularly the ability to receive divine guidance from the Lord.

My friend struggled with time management. She couldn’t find enough time to complete projects until she fell ill and became bedridden. We agree that sometimes God allows challenges to get our attention when we’re stubbornly opposed to His will. It’s as if He’s saying, “What About Me?”

God deserves our time, attention, love, and devotion more than our families, friends, or jobs. God wants to spend more time with us.

When we’ve completed our responsibilities in our youth, and God brings us to this season of rest as retirees, we must dedicate ourselves to our divine purpose. This doesn’t mean we’ll neglect our other relationships. In fact, when we’re devoted to God and His purpose, we have favor to be a greater blessing to others.

So, it’s important to slow down and sometimes just be still. I told my friend that women like us, who are long-suffering, hardworking, and devoted, have now received grace to rest, and be restored. In that space of “doing nothing,” we discover the peace of God.

Retirement should be a transition from service to a time of rest and enjoyment, rather than the end of work. The primary purpose of life, including retirement, is to glorify God and experience His presence forever.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Proverbs 16:3