making a difference by Norma Jackson Goldman Find out more about the Free Will Baptist retirement program, call (877) 767-7738.

We’re all familiar with the passage in Esther when the young queen realized that God had placed her in a position of influence so she could carry out His plan for His chosen people. In similar fashion, God uses people today to perform acts of service that require special skills, many learned over a lifetime in the workplace. Virtually every life skill can be used to build the kingdom of God. Consider the skills God has given you that can be used “for such a time as this.”

Psychologists tell us one of the basic needs of every human is to know that his or her life matters to someone, that they are making a difference, and that someone needs them. This comes sharply into focus in retirement. After serving in vital roles in a profession or workplace for many years retirees often experience anxiety in the early days of retirement, wondering if they still have value. We know—intuitively and from Scripture—that the best way to demonstrate the love of God is through acts of kindness, caring, and service. Even the strongest, most confident person in your life needs to hear you say, “You really matter to me. I cannot imagine what life would be like without you.” Putting the two together—your need to make a difference and the needs of others—is a formula made in heaven for a productive and meaningful retirement

My friend Mary recently retired and tutors children for two hours a day at a nearby elementary school. One of the teachers at the school reports a miraculous turn-around in one boy’s test scores and behavior since Mary has been working with him. Another friend, gifted with a pleasant speaking voice, plans to record books for the blind when she retires. An attorney provides contract review service for his church, while a successful businessman, now retired, leads a study group of younger professionals, teaching them how to apply Christian business principles in their places of work.

The transfer of hard-earned skills from the business place to a church setting can be one of the most rewarding aspects of retirement. It provides seniors an opportunity to give back to the body of Christ that fed them spiritually, nurtured family and friends, and helped them become the person they are today.

An executive assistant for a local service club comes to our church one day a week to run the church bulletin. A retired court reporter transcribes the pastor’s sermons so they can be posted on the website. An internet technology specialist devotes several hours each week to upgrading the church’s web site and software programs. Women gifted in knitting and sewing create beautiful prayer shawls given to the homebound and those facing surgery or long-term illness.

Many churches have sent work crews to the Gulf Coast devastated by storms in the past year. It is likely that these opportunities will be available for many years due to widespread, catastrophic destruction. All types of construction skills are necessary— painters, people who can cut down trees, clear debris and prepare food for the work crews. More churches are offering car care clinics for widows and single moms, providing oil changes, routine maintenance and simple repairs that are often neglected due to their cost.
Opportunities to serve are only limited by our imagination. There is a ring of authenticity when the church declares Christ’s love for a lost world through acts of compassionate service. A watching world takes note of a helping hand with no strings attached—simply of message of hope and encouragement. Are you making that kind of difference?

Former magazine editor Norma Goldman lives in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys free-lance writing in her retirement. To find out more about retirement options for Free Will Baptists, contact (877) 767- 7738.