You may think I’m confused by the title of this blog post. But I’m not. Retirement and the resurrection go together, at least to me. And I hope to you, also.
Retirement is something most of us look forward to one day. Some people are afraid to retire because they feel they will be hopelessly bored. To help with boredom, I have posted over 125 things to do once you retire (see below.) And that may be great, but I have realized I missed one thing on that list. And that is where the resurrection comes in.
Why am I talking about the resurrection?
If you know what the Resurrection is and believe it happened, you may not need to read this anymore. But if you think Easter is a day for eggs and bunnies, there may be more for you to know, especially now that you have retired.
Retirement and the resurrection
As you get older, each day brings you closer to retirement. But each day also brings you closer to the end of your life.
My grandfather died at work. Maybe he died at the hospital after the ambulance picked him up from work and brought him to the hospital, where the staff pronounced him dead. He never retired. He died first. My grandfather knew all about the resurrection, so even though we mourned for him, we knew where he was.
In my grandfather’s case, he died and went to Heaven, which is much better than retiring, at least from his side of the story. That morning, my grandmother said goodbye to him and could say nothing else. It’s a sad story, except for the first sentence of this paragraph.
From Death to Life: How the resurrection can transform your retirement
Retirement is often seen as a time to relax, travel and take it easy. But what if it could be much more? What if you could use this time to transform your life? In this article, we explore how the Easter story and the concept of resurrection can inspire and guide us in finding purpose, renewing relationships, leaving a legacy, and embracing life. Whether you are approaching retirement or already there, this post will show you how to make the most of this precious opportunity and live with intention and purpose.
Finding your purpose in Retirement
In my opinion, the most important thing to do before or after you retire, preferably before, is to understand what the Resurrection of Jesus Christ has done for your life. God sent His son into the world for this purpose. Jesus came to earth and told everyone He could about why He came and the difference that believing in Him would make in their lives. He used a lot of parables and miracles to show that He was the Son of God. Many people believed. Then He was betrayed, beaten, hung on a cross, and died. He died on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate His resurrection from the grave. Believing in Jesus and His resurrection, saved us, and allows us to go to Heaven when we die.
Renewing your relationships
Another important aspect of finding purpose in retirement is renewing your relationships. With more free time, retirement provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and strengthen those bonds. The Easter story provides a powerful model for this, with Jesus returning from the dead to spend time with his disciples and friends and to show them how much He loved them. In the same way, retirement can be a time to focus on the people who matter most and deepen those relationships through shared experiences, quality time, and acts of kindness. You can create a more fulfilling and meaningful retirement by attempting to cultivate your relationships.
Retirement can be an opportunity to strengthen those relationships further by spending quality time together, embarking on new experiences, and showering them with kindness. These efforts can lead to a more enjoyable and meaningful period in retirement, allowing you to feel fulfilled and purposeful.
Leaving a legacy that matters
Retirement is a time to reflect on your life and your impact on the world. Leaving a legacy that matters is a common desire among retirees. It can be as simple as passing on family traditions or as grand as starting a charitable foundation. The resurrection story shows us that our impact on others can transcend even death. Living a life of love and service can leave a lasting impact on those around us. Overcoming the fear of death and embracing life is key to leaving a legacy that matters. By living every day with intention and purpose, we can create a meaningful life that will be remembered long after we’re gone.
Overcoming the fear of dying and embracing life
Living a life of purpose and intention can be challenging, especially as we approach retirement. For many, the fear of death can overshadow the joy and beauty of life. However, the resurrection story teaches us that there is hope beyond the grave. By focusing on the life that we have and the relationships we’ve built, we can overcome the fear of death and truly embrace life and life beyond death.
One way to overcome the fear of dying is to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the present moment. This can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, spending time with loved ones, or volunteering for a cause that you’re passionate about. Focusing on God’s blessings makes us less likely to worry about what may come after.
Another way to embrace life is to let go of past regrets and mistakes. We all have things we wish we could change, but dwelling on them only robs us of the joy of the present moment. Instead, try to learn from the past and use those experiences to make positive changes. Praying to God, you can ask for forgiveness now for those past regrets and mistakes.
Finally, living a life of service and love can help us leave a lasting impact on those around us. By giving back to our communities and caring for the people in our lives, we can create a legacy that will live on long after we’re gone. Ultimately, we can find hope and meaning in even the most challenging circumstances by embracing life and living purposefully. And you will leave an example of God’s love for others, including your grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Remember, retirement is not the end but an opportunity for a new beginning. By drawing on the Easter story and the power of resurrection, we can transform our retirement into a time of purpose, fulfilling relationships, and meaningful legacies. By overcoming the fear of dying and embracing life fully, we can make the most of our time and live with intention. So let us not waste this precious opportunity – embrace the resurrection and live your best life in retirement. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31
Please leave a comment below. I will answer any questions you may have. And to see the 125 things to relieve your boredom mentioned above, click on this link: https://growingoldereveryday.com/125-ways-to-fill-your-day/ )