Not Quite Retired
Are you at a point in your life where you will need to consider a career change due to retirement? Why don’t you check out these sites that will guide you to areas where you can use your gifts?
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“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17).
His entire career had been spent in the university classroom, not only lecturing in his chosen field but also encouraging students to always reach for higher goals. He loved the challenge of young minds as well as the personal intellectual and scientific growth, but the mandatory retirement age was looming. He couldn’t imagine filling each day with golf or fishing; he wondered what kind of stimulation lay ahead.
And then came the phone call from a young man he had known years earlier as a campus minister, a man he remembered who built life-changing relationships with students while leading them toward fuller understanding of life with Jesus Christ. Could they meet for coffee?
The scheduled hour flew by and turned into three. Would the professor consider a new career after the classroom: meeting regularly with faculty to share his personal faith in Christ and help those who expressed interest to walk into spiritual maturity. His heart quickened as he thought of the possibilities. He could be an influencer of the influencers. He would remain in academia albeit with a different perspective, an eternal perspective.
Today this professor remains in the hallowed halls he loved so much but he enthusiastically awakens each morning with the knowledge that in a very real sense, his career is just beginning.
Father, thank you for the wide roads of opportunity that lay ahead for each of your children. There truly are no closed doors for your Spirit, no end to a life of serving you.
Questions: Are you considering a career change? What would that change look like? What is your goal for the future… would it be something to stimulate your mind or just playing golf and fishing?
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
Thanks for the very timely devotional. Unfortunately some people cannot appreciate what is not directly related to their situation – I know because I used to be one of those people. One of the benefits of being in the retirement category is that you have been at both ends of the spectrum, and can appreciate most of what people go through,whichever end, or in-between. I’ve also learned that to apply even one Scripture “fully” in my life, especially one as powerful as Colossians 3:17, is quite a challenge to live out daily!
(sorry I meant ‘uses US’ in the previous post)
Again, a timely word. I am in the midst of a job search (that has been going on for 1-2 months). Pls pray for me about the job search, but thank you also, for posting this message. It’s a reminder that God still uses, despite the times of waiting, or periods of leaning on God that we have in our lives. Thanks for reminding us also, that age is no issue in God’s eyes. God bless.
I stand corrected but Not enough scripture! to make a devotional!
Good story where is the scripture? to refer to! I wouldn’t call this a devotinal! I am disappointed!
This was an awesome story. I am very young, and yet I feel a shift taking place. I feel a career change. I just thank God for confirmation in this devotion. God is great!
I am 39 years old and have returned to college to focus on my career change. I am pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology. I know what has been said about psychology, but I intend to use my education for the Lord. how appropriate this devotional was.
I am a young (age 50) retiree, and after 31 years of being employed, I’m patient for God’s plan in my (new) life. I listen to Him very carefully moment by moment. He has led me into humbling opportunities to serve Him and others. Staying close with Him; He has given me wisdom, and a new agenda. It is wonderful, and I believe there will be much much more to come in His Plan. Amazing God.
That’s a neat story. It is quite possible the best years of life are on the horizon!
Wow, that’s right where I am–not quite to retiring age, but feeling like I’m getting too old to continue with my cleaning service job within the next few years. Where do I go from here?? God has a plan. {I’ve often said, thank God He does have a plan cuz’ I’m way too tired to come up with my own. :)}
God bless you–