Till Death Do Us Part: Is Retirement an Option Anymore?

“Linda?” 

She heard my surprise as I approached her behind the counter at the locally-owned fast food restaurant. This was the same white-haired woman from my church with the smile that matched her oversized glasses, the lady who handed out bulletins and fussed over the communion cups and smoothed the curtains in the sanctuary after the wind tousled them. 

Here she was with her trademark infectious, enthusiastic spirit, only now she was asking people what they wanted for lunch. I stumbled through my order, wondering just what to say. She broke the ice, lowering her voice, telling me her retirement funds “needed a little boost.”

I can only imagine what her bones felt like after a long, hard day in that environment.

She’s not alone. Retirees are banging on the doors of employers, looking for supplemental or full-time work.

The short-term financial downturn is now a multi-year economic crisis. The unemployed and underemployed are all around us. And it’s affecting retirement plans.

There’s no biblical imperative for retirement and the ancients likely labored until they were no longer able to function physically. But our modern society has set us up with a certain ideal of working for the same company, retiring in our 60’s and living the remainder of our days in peace. 

There might be a new reality.  Am I ready to work until my very final breath?

With some thought over these few months, I have three principles I’m holding to

I went back to see Margie at the fast-food place last week. At first, I was disappointed she wasn’t there. But secretly, I hoped she was at home, watering her flowers and taking a nap in the afternoon sun.

Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
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