Last week my wife CJ and I were taking a fall walk in the beautiful state forest behind our home, and as we got to an open meadow area, we noticed several buzzards circling above us. To “seniors”, this is not an encouraging sign, and we joked about needing to pick up our pace! Since we both have now entered into retirement and can legally get discounts at restaurants & theaters, we notice a certain pattern in the conversation of friends. It almost always deals with our aches & body pains, the medications we take, and other physical and mental limitations or deterioration! I love golf, and this summer I played with many different “seniors” of various abilities. The common mantra was “I can’t hit it as far as I used to”. I played in 2 multi-day golf outings this fall ( both within a week), and found that for we seniors, 18 holes in a cart was enough golf for the day. After that, we got tired & played worse & got cranky with each other. Of course, we all bragged of the “good old days”; I mentioned that when I was a kid I used to WALK 54 holes in one day! The problem is, I’m not a kid anymore, and all the super vitamins and secret exercise routines are not going to bring those days back!

So how do we deal with the fact that the “end-game” of all this is that you and I are going to die? (Sorry to be such a downer, but let’s face reality, people!) Some folks deny reality & get face lifts & tummy tucks, and some just sit around and watch TV and grumble about how life used to be better. Others are more pro-active and plan the future they have left. Some good friends in our church small group have “5-year plans”, and adjust after 5 years for their financial and physical situation. Many seniors are very active, walking, biking, playing golf & tennis, pickle-ball, and other activities, and keep in as good a shape as they can. Others take a “bucket-list” approach to life. They make a list of things they’ve always wanted to do, and they try to accomplish them while they are still able. We’ve always kidded “snow-birds” about escaping winter to go south to Florida or other destinations, but this year CJ and I are succumbing and taking a month-long trip to the senior “mecca” of the Villages in Florida. While many of these approaches to the rest of our life are positive, many seniors are filled with fear, bitterness, and hopelessness about the future. They are angry at their kids or their health situation; they vow to selfishly spend all their remaining money and resources on themselves, and they have no hope or faith in a life beyond this one. What a sad way to end your life on earth!

For Christians, this is NOT the way we are called to end our lives! Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This promise was not just for our present life, but for a future, eternal life with God as well! God promised that all who believe in Jesus and trust their lives to him will live forever in His Kingdom! So, we live our present lives not just for ourselves, but as servants of God to bring others into the Kingdom with us! When Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel, he longed for the next life, knowing it would be even better; but he also recognized that as long as he was here, he could serve Jesus & spread the Kingdom:
Philippians 1:21-26 (NIV)
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.”
Paul reminded us that that the end of our life is not just for pleasure and fulfilling our “bucket-list” desires, but for sharing our encouragement, resources, and prayers with those around us. We have time and resources to help the hurting, to pray for others, to invite others to follow Jesus and enter into His Kingdom! We are to run the race of life fully and finish well! Paul set this as his goal:
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

So, how can you finish your race faithfully? Can you mentor and help your grandchildren or other children around you? Can you pray for a friend or relative to come to Christ, and help them make that decision? Can you help the hurting & needy in your area? Can you encourage the young leaders around you and pray for them? Can you help other seniors who don’t know Jesus to find eternal hope and purpose for their life?
Yes, retirement can be fun, and we can enjoy travel & activity with friends (even if your golf game is not what it use to be!) But as you enjoy the last phase of life, be faithful in your calling to serve God and others as well. Some of the best servants in the Bible were used of God in the late years of life, and he is not done with you and me either! Finish with joy, finish with hope, and finish with faithfulness to God’s calling, for we know that as believers in Jesus, the best is yet to come! Live fearlessly and on purpose for the Lord!