I have read several articles recently about why people should not retire. I would hardly be so bold as to say that one should or should not retire. Retirement is difficult to define and means different things to different people. Jan and I talk much more about reinvesting our lives than about our retirement. Nonetheless, the articles caused me to think about some of the reasons I stepped away from full-time salaried ministry.
- I did not retire to so I could work less. In fact, I am doing more now than before.
- I did not retire to rest and relax. I get up earlier than ever and accomplish more than ever.
- I did not retire to spend my life in leisure, doing the things I want to do. I spend less time doing the things I want to do than ever before.
- I did not retire so I would have more time for recreation. I have always found refreshment in changing activities, and have never spent much time in recreational activities.
- I retired so I could have more time to do the things that were of supreme importance and priority in my spiritual life.
- I retired so I could more easily walk through the doors God opens.
- I retired so I could help people without concern for finances–helping those with the greatest needs, answering calls to serve with no concern for economic matters.
- I retired so I could answer calls for help more quickly.
- I retired so I could serve the people who most need it and can least afford it.
- I retired so that my kingdom service would not be connected to financial remuneration, so I could serve and minister for the pure joy of ministry.