My son asked me Sunday afternoon what I was doing now that I am not involved in full-time local ministry. He was curious about how my life has changed and how it is different. The answer is, “Not much; very little.” But his question has caused me to reflect more deeply.
I still arise early (although I might allow myself the luxury of laying in bed until 6:00 AM from time to time). Jan and I still share our early morning walks, coffee, talks, and quiet times. I still check out the news. I still go to the office–usually by 7:00 or shortly thereafter. I feel blessed to be able to maintain office space at the church building away from the house, although I also have an “official office” at the house now as a result of commandeering a bedroom with a wonderful bay window and lots of light.
I still spend the majority of most days working on mission projects, ministry, and study in preparation for sermons, special series, classes, and seminars. One thing that is different is that I have more time to reflect and write.
I suppose that these rhythms may eventually change, but the rhythms of life that have developed over decades do not fade quickly. We feel more freedom to plan day-trips to spend time with family. I am more likely to spend the entire day at home when the grandchildren visit. Things get fixed around the house a little more quickly. We can already tell that we will travel more–primarily for ministry and mission trips.
Here is my conclusion. The nature of God’s calling in our lives does not change because we retire or reinvest or change roles. Life is still life. The call to ministry and servant-leadership is still clear. Life does not suddenly become something to waste. Life is to be lived fully, with God’s gifts and Christ’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s power.
The well-known children’s song (and text from Psalm 118) has increased meaning: This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. So I will. Today, here I come!