Biblical Answer

Finding Purpose and Meaning in Retirement

As we approach retirement, many of us struggle to find purpose and meaning beyond our careers and accomplishments. We may feel a void or sense of emptiness, as if we're searching for something more. The truth is, our sense of purpose and fulfillment doesn't come from external sources like wealth, fame, or material possessions. Instead, it comes from within, from our relationship with God and our understanding of our place in the world.

One way to find purpose and meaning in retirement is to redirect our service to others. As Os Guinness notes in "The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life," our vocational freedom in retirement can become a redirection of service. This can take many forms, such as volunteering, mentoring, or simply being present for our loved ones. By serving others, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond our own needs and desires. As Esther Reed notes in "Good Work: Christian Ethics in the Workplace," our work is not just about what we do, but about who we serve.

Ultimately, finding purpose and meaning in retirement requires a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and our place in the world. It's not about trying to fill a void or achieve some external goal, but about living out our faith and serving others. As Guinness notes, "the things you accumulate and own do not and cannot provide you with any security." Instead, our security comes from our relationship with God, and our purpose and fulfillment come from living out our faith in service to others. By redirecting our service and living out our faith, we can find purpose and meaning in retirement that goes beyond our careers and accomplishments.