Tuesday, August 1, 2023

I couldn't wait for retirement! I’d reached a point of “just get through the workday” and wasn’t doing much aside from that. I had to finish the race to get the prize. And when I finally made it to year 30, I did it!

I wanted to get some much needed things done around the house. My first project was to paint the downstairs bedroom, starting with the ceiling. Well, I messed up my shoulder and have been in lots of pain and going to physical therapy since. When people ask me, “How’s retirement?” I answer, "Eh, there are good days and bad days!” To be honest, it gets a little lonely. Those friends who couldn’t wait until I retired all got busy! I sometimes wish I’d never retired at all. Or do I?

I have more time on my hands—time to think about what I don’t have. My husband is still working, so he isn’t here with me and I miss him. Those things that need doing around the house have become daydreams. Envy, anger, inner conflict, and spiritual warfare have seeped into my daily life.

Colossians 3:6-9
⁶ Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. ⁷ You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. ⁸8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. ⁹ Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Jesus is my firm foundation. Living each day from his love for me is a reminder of who I am in him. If I am to put to death the earthly sins lurking within me, I cannot allow my old patterns of thinking. I must let go of what I think my retirement should be in order to grow into what God’s plan for my retirement is.

The truth? I’ve had more time to read my Bible, pray, and research questions that come to mind about God. I’ve had more time to spend with my brother, who is sick. I’m able to drive a friend to appointments. I went to a movie and made a new friend.

I have finally found the time to show tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—the very things God created me for. The things that heaven is about. When you die to the life you think you should have, you’re free to enjoy the life that God provides.

What has to go for you to grow?

Questions:
What’s holding you back from growing into God’s plan for your life? Are you still listening to the lies you believed before you came to Christ?

Next Steps:
Re-read Colossians 3:1-9. Make a list of things you want out of life. Opposite that list, make a list of things God wants for your life.

Prayer:
Lord, you are the maker and creator of my days, and my desire is to grow in you. Shut down the lies of my sinful nature, the ones that call me away from you. Be my firm foundation and help me to live from your love alone. I praise and worship you only. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Colossians 1:23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.