I’ve talked to many people who are concerned about how they will spend their time in retirement. That’s not necessarily an unfounded concern. After all, for decades, we had regular jobs to go to each weekday. For me, I worked for nearly thirty-eight years at the same organization. The day after retirement, when I didn’t have to get up and go to work, I almost felt like I was doing something wrong. That’s why I suggest you give a lot of thought and prayer to what you will do in retirement well before your retirement date. 

Here are a few suggestions of ways I have discovered to find purpose in your retirement years:

Develop and strengthen relationships. With more free time available, retirement is an excellent time to invest in your relationships with family and friends. For me, I got to spend quality time with both my father and mother-in-law before they went to be with the Lord. We also get to spend precious time with our great nephew triplets. Retirement is also an excellent time to invest in the discipleship of your grandchildren as you may often get opportunities to babysit.  

Serving in the local church. As we age, we can at times feel that much of the activities in the local church are directed toward the young. And while there may be some truth to that, I encourage you to get involved in a multi-generational small group Bible Study, or volunteer to disciple or mentor a younger person in your church. Those who have been studying the Bible for decades can make the very best Bible teachers, so don’t let your age hold you back. My wife and I pray that we will be “used up” by the Lord in our church.  

Keep Learning. As long as you are mentally able, I would encourage you to keep learning. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember, and I now have more time to read. Another excellent way to learn is by listening to Christian teaching that you can listen to on any number of excellent apps you can download to your smartphone. 

These are just three ways in which you can find purpose in retirement. I’ve had friends write their family history to pass along to their children and grandchildren, which I think is an excellent idea. If you are physically able, I would recommend that you try to stay physically active, by doing things such as walking a set number of miles per day. Volunteering at non-profits is also a great way to use your time and talents.

What other suggestions do you have for finding purpose in retirement?   

Bill Pence is a St. Louis Cardinals fan, formerly a manager at a Fortune 50 organization, and in leadership at his local church. He is a life-long learner and his passion is to help people develop, and to use their strengths to their fullest potential. His favorite book hold his favorite verses, Colossians 3:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Other favorite books are The Holiness of God, and Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul, and Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. Bill enjoys music in a variety of genres, including modern hymns, Christian hip-hop and classic rock. Bill is married to his best friend Tammy, a graduate of Covenant Seminary. Both have written a book. Bill’s book is, Called to Lead: Living and Leading for Jesus in the work place. Tammy’s book is,  Study, Savor and Share Scripture: Becoming What We Behold are available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon.

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