Preparing for the ups and downs of retirement.

Balance in the Face of Loss

by Norma Jackson Goldman

Retirement years often prove to be some of life’s happiest, most productive times for individuals, couples, and their families. As priorities shift and more time can be devoted to mutual interests and family, married couples frequently grow closer. Once the demands of work life and hectic schedules are over, there is an increased emphasis on interaction with close friends and extended family members and the opportunity to enjoy travel, hobbies, personal ministry, and the simple pleasures of life.

An often-overlooked aspect of retirement years, however, is the impact of the loss of loved ones and long-time friends. My own adult Bible study class recently experienced the loss of two much-loved members a little more than three months apart. These losses had a tremendous impact on the group as many faced their own mortality for the first time. Both losses seemed untimely as they were just under retirement age. Both were vibrant, involved, and active with family, friends, and church. It has been somewhat unsettling, which is not only reasonable but likely a good thing. For when unsettled, people have a tendency to give more attention to the deeper, more important issues of life.

Dealing With Loss Is a Process

Learning to process the loss of friends and family members is not easy, but believers have a distinct advantage. First, we have confidence in the future, because we know who holds the future.

Second, we know God has a plan for each of His children, a good plan—to prosper us and give us a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Third, we recognize loss as an opportunity to reflect on where we are in our own faith journey, and to evaluate our priorities of time, energy, and resources.

Finally, His design for life includes valuing and living in the present, even as we experience loss.

Our Future Is Secure

Part of reverencing God is recognizing His sovereignty in all matters of life and death. The One who created us numbered our days; He knows the time we will be called home to begin the new life promised to all who claim Christ as Savior, so we know our future is secure.

But we live in the present. Keeping up with family, friends and being involved in ministry helps us to maintain our balance in times of loss.

His Plans Are Good

By this time in life, believers have learned that He can take the worst of situations and make something good of them. Who would have thought the pain and grief of the cross would result in our redemption and a future reunion with God?

We can say with certainty that those who have been taken from us have absolutely no desire to return! Their joy is now complete in Him and ours will be at the right time. But for today, we can rejoice in His goodness, greet each new day with faith and optimism, and maintain our balance by giving thanks for His gracious provision (Psalm 16:7-9).

Time to Reflect

Losses allow us time to reflect on the contributions of those who have gone before us. Reviewing our own contributions to the lives of others, the causes we hold dear, and the work God has called us to, we can choose to continue our faith walk with greater purpose and resolve, making the most of the time we’ve been given (Colossians 3:23-24).

Time to Live Fully, in Faith

A lifelong habit of trusting God in every situation, including loss of friends and loved ones, is the essential source of comfort, strength, and resolve and our most vital resource in regaining balance. God wants us to live fully confident in His ability to meet our every need.

About the Writer: Former magazine editor Norma J. Goldman enjoys a successful freelance writing career in her retirement. Learn more about the Board of Retirement at www.boardofretirement.com.