One reason I wanted to print your question is because I hope it will encourage people to think more fully about their retirement years. Many plan financially for retirement, but never think realistically about how they’ll spend their time.

But God is just as concerned about our retirement years as He is about every other stage of our lives. In fact, retirement can be one of the most fulfilling and productive times of our lives — if we seek God’s will and turn those years over to Him. No matter how old we are, God is with us and has a perfect plan for our lives. The older I get, the more I take comfort in God’s words to Isaiah: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4).

We may not be able to do everything we once did, but God has other paths for us to follow, if we are willing. This is why I urge you to seek God’s will for your future. Begin by making sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and then ask Him to guide you. Perhaps your church can use you as a volunteer, for example.

God has given these years to you; don’t waste them or spend them only in self-centered indulgence. Instead, use them to grow closer to Christ… closer to your family… and closer to God’s plan for your life.