This month’s paper has portions of an article which Wilferd A. Peterson has entitled The New “Aspirement.” Yes! Why should I spend hours composing something that proposes my own premise? May it inspire you as it has me.
"‘So you are really all through for good!’ a friend exclaimed on learning of my retirement. ‘If you mean by through that I’m all washed-up, finished with life and fun and adventure, I reject your remarks. But if you mean that my retirement is a breakthrough to things I have always wanted to do, that it is an open door to travel and new experiences and new creativity, with time to accomplish the hundreds of things I’ve never had time for, then, thank God, I am through. I’m through with road blocks, hurdles, and obstructions. I’m on my way.”
“Retirement didn’t catch me by surprise. My wife and I had been thinking about it for some years, and we had some definite thoughts about it.”
“In a sense, the word ‘retire’ is a good word. An army retires to gather its forces, to seek reinforcements, to renew the energies of its men, to re-organize so it can attack again with vigor and win new victories. Those of us who are 65, or 35, or 25, need this kind of ‘retirement.’ It may be a walk in the woods. It may be a quiet time of meditation and prayer. It may be a trip somewhere. It means to evaluate a situation, to think calmly, to explore possibilities.” Yes, and to commune with the Savior.
“With such ‘retirement’ we come back to our tasks with new spirit and new enthusiasm. This is a technique that can be used by individuals of all ages, as well, to change and expand and broaden their lives.”
As for me, Norma Whitcomb speaking, I want to continue to be useful for the Lord’s glory, to write, perhaps to oil paint, and to help others in a worthy manner. I want to continue to be creative and to encourage people in their walk with the Lord. I don’t want to sit in a chair and think lonesomeness. I want to be involved in teaching the Word to whomsoever wants to learn. There are many venues to pursue. We will think more about that at another time.
The word “retirement” doesn’t express what most people want. You have dreams that you are eager to tackle. What are you waiting for? Get started. Would God be pleased? Then jump in the car. Get the equipment and get started. Forget the lounge and TV. Above everything else, absorb God’s Word. Do an in-depth review of Psalm 69, which overwhelms us with Jesus’ suffering and death for us. Review Psalm 71, which talks about old age. Keep absorbing.
Wilferd Peterson came up with a new word — aspirement - which has an upward and onward lilt to it. The dictionary indicates that ‘aspire’ means “to desire with eagerness, to seek and to attain something high and great.” That ideal should inspire retired people to find a new pattern, a new outlook, a new life, and a new breakthrough to richer, fuller living which glorifies God.
That ideal should really help retired people to richer, fuller living. Aspirement can be the greatest time of our lives.
“…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).
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