A song lyric from the movie White Christmas questions: “What do you do with a general when he stops being a general?”
Many people facing retirement may ask a similar question. After working for 40-45 years at a single, particular thing, what do you do in retirement? If your retirement income is insufficient, and you are physically able to work, you may seek part-time employment. However, for those who do not need additional income and do not want to work, it may be challenging to find something meaningful to do.
Here are some suggestions. Many states allow those over 65 to take college classes for free or at a greatly reduced cost. Perhaps you have always wanted to study a particular subject totally unrelated to your previous work. Just call it curiosity.
You could volunteer to help in many arenas. Perhaps start with your church and ask your pastor if you are particularly suited to serve in a needed ministry. Visit older seniors, those who are ill, or the homebound. Or volunteer in your community. Every community has unmet needs where you can help. Some recent retirees serve the senior community through Meals on Wheels. Though we live in a wealthy nation, many people (and many times children) still go hungry. Other seniors volunteer for their local voting precinct or other civic opportunities.
If you are a professional, consider helping people as you serve in your profession. Volunteer to host or help with a Bible club in a school (yes, even public school) and impact young lives. (You can get more information on these types of ministries from Child Evangelism Fellowship.) Your presence will give children a biblical example of what a grandparent is supposed to be like. Retired couples can also mentor younger couples by having meals together or having them over for dessert.
Numerous studies reveal staying active and being part of a community will help you live a longer, happier life. And your life experience can be a benefit to others. When you are younger, sometimes you “don’t know what you don’t know.” However, by retirement, you have experienced many things younger people have not, and you can share your knowledge.
You may be retired, but you’re not dead yet! So, continue to work to expand the Kingdom.
About the Columnist: David Brown is director of Free Will Baptist Foundation. To learn more,
visit www.fwbgifts.com.
