It seems as if the goal of many hardworking people is retirement. The prospect of being released from the daily grind and clock punching of their busy lives is a beautiful thought. Visions of carefree excursions, relaxing and pleasure seeking, and just plain indulgence in long neglected projects is a pleasant prospect. However, all that glistens is not gold, for when those golden days arrive, retirees soon find themselves bored and unhappy. Persons who have been forced to be mentally and physically active have suddenly encountered a vacuum of inactivity. Unless one is prepared with hobbies or is capable of creative endeavors, the shock of this sudden carefree existence soon becomes unbearable. I know of one individual who had been active in public life who, when he retired, moved to a quiet retirement community. Within a year, he had become so disenchanted with his new surroundings, that he moved back to his old home and friends.
In order to fill the vacuum of retirement, many turn to frivolous entertainment, even gambling. Some take extended tours or cruises to lands afar merely to see how the rest of the world lives. In doing so, they spend enormous funds that could be used to further the Lord's work. "I saw that the cause of God had been hindered and dishonored by some traveling who had no message from God. Such will have to give an account to God for every dollar they have used in traveling where it was not their duty to be" (EW. p 94,95). Some have taken excursions to the Holy Land to "walk in the steps of Jesus" despite direct counsel not to do so; "Do not seek to go back to the land where Christ's feet trod long ago...The curse of God is upon Jerusalem and its surroundings, and the land is defiled under the inhabitants thereof" (E.G. White, R & H, February 25, 1896, p 114). "Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon" (Susan Ertz).
So, what is one to do to while away the days of retirement when we have a lot of leisure time? In these days of Social Security, pensions. and IRA's, there is little need for gainful employment in the "golden years," so we should be able to live it up Perhaps one could develop a long hidden talent, learn a creative craft, or do volunteer work for a worthy cause. Primarily, however, "if such (aged persons) would take the position God would have them, their last days may be their best, their happiest. ... They should lay aside anxiety and burdens, and occupy their time as happily as they can, in ripening up for heaven" (7 BC p 1184). Heaven will be a place where we can be quite active without fatigue, where our minds will expand in understanding, and talents can be developed to the fullest. Our eyes will be dazzled, our ears will be enchanted, and we shall journey to worlds unknown that we cannot even imagine (1 Cor. 2:9). That will be "really living it up."
