Take A Break... But Do It Tomorrow

Callum Borchers, in an article titled “Why High-Powered People Are Working in Their 80s,” for The Wall Street Journal writes, “The first thing to know about people who shun retirement to work past age 80 is that they are probably busier, and possibly cooler, than you.

One said an interview would have to wait because he was traveling to France for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Another said he would be free after hitting a research deadline and organizing his Harvard Business School class’s 65th reunion. A third, available on shorter notice, emailed a physical description before meeting: ‘In the spirit of YOLO, I have blue hair and tattoos.’
Growing numbers of 80-somethings are deciding that if days are finite, they are better spent on the job than in retirement. Harrison Ford, at 80, released another Indiana Jones movie, Jane Goodall, at 89, was still protecting chimps, and Smokey Robinson, at 83, was still touring.

Roughly 650,000 Americans over 80 were working last year, that’s about 18% more than a decade earlier. Some people have been pressed back into duty by inflation and stock-market volatility. Many cite a simpler reason to keep working—they just want to. These workers joke about getting bored on the golf course or being pushed out of the house by a spouse who won’t tolerate idleness. Beneath the wisecracks is a sense of purpose that refuses to fade. They just can’t quit their careers.”

I am roughly 2 months away from my 66th birthday. As a teenager I remember when my mom and dad talked about reaching the age of 65 so they could retire. And I remember thinking, “you must be worn out by then.” But as to my own life, I’ve never really thought or felt that way, and I am glad!

While I do understand the idea of a person retiring from a vocational job, I don’t get the idea of those who retire and just wait out life! As long as God gives you breath you can serve Him, it may be as simple as being a prayer warrior (which is really pretty significant). God has put each of us on this planet for a specific time and for a specific purpose and we must never retire from that until the day He calls us to our eternal home. In fact, here are a few scriptures that encourage us to keep on working and serving God…

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:13–16)

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16)

So, Monday is Labor Day, take a break! But whatever you do, don’t stop serving and working for God. And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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