A TIME FOR EVERYTHING EVEN RETIREMENT

December 4, 2008

I came across and interesting phrase in Psalms 109:23
It says, “ I am fading away as an evening shadow”.
This is interesting to me because it articulates in some way what I feel.
I am about to send my letter of official retirement to the Mission.
Although I have not been as deeply involved as in the past,
I have been involved in the inner circle of leadership for years.
Evening has come for me and I will fade away as the evening shadow.
And this is not bad...it is necessary and inevitable.
Evening shadows are comforting.
Evening shadows are restful.
Evening shadows are a prelude of the night.
And work is finished when night comes.
And following night comes a New Day when there will be no evening shadows.
This brings comfort and satisfaction.



December 6, 2008

Well, today I took a major step in life.
Fifty-four years ago, in 1954, Jeanie and I began ministry in Alaska.
We arrived there May 12, 1954, our oldest son, Marty’s first birthday.
He just sent me a note saying, “Wow, that’s a big step to retire.”
I guess it is.
However, since there is no doubt in our minds that this is the thing to do...
There is peace and contentment.
Some people say there is no Biblical basis for retirement.
I can understand their thoughts
One never retires from:
Obedience to the Lord
Prayer
Serving our God
Trying to bring Him glory
Walking daily with Him
And a lot of other responsibilities to family, friends, and others.
There is a Biblical precedence for retirement, however.
It is found in Numbers 8:25, speaking of the Levites.
It says, “But at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer.”
Verse 26 goes on to say, “They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but
they themselves must not do the work.”
So,
That’s what we plan to do!