“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, ‘The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!’” Psalm 92:12-15 (NLT)
Though I don’t necessarily feel my age, I often forget that in some places I am actually eligible for senior rates! But I’m not done, and God is not done working in me and through me. Early on both Shellie & I knew we were not meant to retire. God has given us huge hearts, huge batteries and a huge calling! We are to spend our lives chasing after God and His purpose for this generation. Yet I’ve discovered this view is not normal. I have seen folks retire and wither. And that’s so very sad and unfortunate! We are here for a reason, and our latter years are the perfect time to invest in the generations behind us. We have been investing all these years to get where we are now and we have so much to give away. So instead of talking about retiring, let’s talk about refiring (even my auto spell hates the word and keeps trying to change it)! By all means feel free to finish up with your vocation, so you can give the rest of your time and days in intentional mission, giving away everything the Lord has given and taught you. That’s what Paul wrote when he said look for faithful and hungry people whom you can invest in who will likewise invest in others (2 Timothy 2:2). So instead of looking forward to that beach home, or the cruise ship life, look at where you can invest in eternal realities. Some day we will have eternity to enjoy with God. But for now, chase after the Lord, asking Him for the vision for the rest of your days! It is the greatest adventure you can go on! And you will reap in eternity the rewards you have stored up in this life!!!
Also, I just read this amazing article for those over 60 (https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=26528). It’s a prophetic word of encouragement for us refiring folks. We are pillars of cedar in the Lord’s house. May your years be full and you not stop giving and serving 100% of yourself until you are standing face to face with Jesus!
If you are 60 and over, ask the Lord what He has for you on the journey through senior-hood. Ask Him to refire you, to give you a vision and a purpose for the days you have left. Ask Him to make these last years your best years. Ask Him for the health, courage and renewed strength to actually begin doing it. For those of you not yet into your senior-hood days, consider making that commitment now, of refiring instead of retiring. Ask God for His dreams for those prime years of your life. And take some time today to pray for those who are in their senior-hood to be filled with hope, joy and peace, and a knowledge that God is not done with them yet!
