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In some ways people should never retire

by By Rev. Walter Klockers
| April 7, 2020 10:59 PM

Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

I view retirement as being quite a way down the road.

Still, there have been occasions when I’ve imagined what that may be like — including how I might spend my time.

There is the notion of just taking it easy when one retires. You know, slowing down, and do what you would like to be doing.

Would that mean I need to change things up?

I have definitely asked these questions.

For one, I’ve wondered what I would read. You know, maybe I should expand my horizons a bit and take in some action and adventure type novels? I can’t remember the last time I read a book of that genre.

Most of my current reading list is “work-related” — studying Scripture, pouring over commentaries, researching figures of history in the religious as well as the secular realm, and taking in the workings and nuances of contemporary topics, to name a few.

What is one key reason for doing so? It is so I may have more to offer when I engage others in conversation. I do not wish to change this.

Perhaps I should take up a new hobby when I retire? That’s certainly possible, however, the thing is I thoroughly enjoy the hobbies I have now. I am passionate about fishing, gardening, and macro photography. What is one key reason for doing so? So, I can recharge my batteries in order to serve. I do not wish to alter this.

In retirement, I can’t imagine being satisfied with sitting in a rocking chair, passing the days by watching the sun rise and set. I’m not one who likes to be idle too long.

What is retirement? You could say that it is a withdrawal from an active working life. However, it might be better to think of it as an opportunity to continue to fuel what drives you but in a different way.

Christianity calls us to care for one another no matter our changes of age or title. One shouldn’t retire from this but simply find new ways of expressing it.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.