Retirement Rocks: A 14-Day Reading Plan for All That Free TimeSýnishorn

"You okay over there?"

Angela looked up from her cell phone into her daughter’s eyes. “Oh, yes. Just checking on something.” Truth be told, she couldn’t stop worrying about her finances these days and kept checking her bank account. The balance was dropping, even as she spoke. If only she could slow the bleed, get things under control. Then she would stop fretting.

“Mom, are you going to be okay?” Megan asked. “I’m worried that you’re worried.”

Angela chose her words carefully, so as not to alarm her daughter. “Yes, I just have to get used to living on a budget. Now that I’m not working anymore, I don’t have that paycheck deposit I came to count on.”

“But you have your retirement, right?”

“Yes, it comes through on the first of the month.” “And Social Security?”

“It will start when I’m sixty-six years and seven months."

“Until then, are you going to be okay?” Now Megan looked genuinely concerned. “Because if you need help, you know that Matt and I will—”

Angela put her hand up. “I’ll be fine. I don’t know why I’m fretting. I really don’t. I’m just having to trim back a little to make this work, is all. I’m not used to trimming back. I guess I was a little spoiled when I had a job.”

“Well, don’t worry about it today, okay?” Her daughter gestured to the restaurant table filled with food and the baby in the highchair nearby. “Today is all about us. And remember, lunch is on me, so don’t worry about that.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I know, but that makes it even more fun. So, relax, Mom.”

Can you identify with Angela? Do your financial woes have you down? Release them to God and watch as He brings peace and teaches you a new way to live. Sure, this is a new season, but it’s one where your heavenly Father will free you up to live by faith.

I give my finances to You, Lord! I’m done fretting. Amen.