What If Retirement Is About Intention, Not Absence of Work?

Work reimagined as worship to glorify the Lord!

I’ve had several conversations with people who are either in what I call the visionary stage of imagining what retirement could look like, and others who are well past retirement age who have said, “This just isn’t what I thought life was going to turn out to be for me.”

That latter phrase really hit home and got my thoughts and writing wheels turning. It reflects so much of the discernment I’ve personally had over the past five years — about my values, hopes, dreams, aspirations, goals, and yes, even regrets for not acting sooner when my heart and mind already knew where they felt at home.

It’s as if I knew long ago what my calling was, but like many, I got sidetracked doing what others thought I’d be good at, or what was most income‑producing, or what felt safe — even when I wasn’t necessarily enamored with the work itself.

That’s not to say I never enjoyed my jobs; there were deep challenges and meaningful solutions that were rewarding. Yet I always longed for a more hands‑on approach with those I serve.

For years, I felt stuck — afraid it was too late to shift gears. It felt risky, uncertain, and potentially disruptive for my family. The list of reasons not to change went on and on.

But as with all things, we can only resist until the pain or weariness hurts more than the resistance itself. The phrase what we resist persists comes to mind.

Today, I’m reminded that all the hard work and persistence have paid off. At this stage of life, I can stop, reevaluate, rest, and contemplate — with great intention — where and how I want to spend my time in retirement.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is this: I don’t have to not work. I can simply be more intentional about what I do for work — choosing purpose, calling, and service rather than chasing a paycheck. The work itself becomes the reward.

So, my words of wisdom to those reading:

If you’re still young, be intentional about where you invest your work life. Save for later, yes, but not so much that you miss living in the present. Don’t be afraid to change course if something doesn’t feel right. Be willing to realign.

If you’re nearing retirement, don’t think you have to leap into a land of “doing nothing.” That sudden shift can create mental and emotional challenges you may not be prepared for.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting rest — just have a plan for all the idle time you’ll gain, and don’t rush into full retirement too soon. Even a gradual shift, as I’ve found, is a process of learning and adjustment.

The whole point is this: whatever you do, take the time you need to be intentional about your choices. Don’t pressure yourself to change before your heart and mind are ready.

Rest. Pray. Discern. Talk with others — a friend, pastor, former co‑worker, or someone living the kind of life you envision. These conversations can be invaluable.

No matter what you do, do it to glorify the Lord, and He will make your paths straight. I truly believe that. There are no wrong choices — only learning and self‑correcting ones.

With grace,

Cindy

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