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

Carol rolled over in the bed and stretched. From the floor below, her black-and-tan dachshund let out a whimper.

“I know, boy,” Carol said as she peered down at him. “You want to go out. I get it.”

She, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying her lazy morning in bed. In fact, she’d gotten quite used to it since her retirement a few weeks back. No longer a slave to the alarm clock, she rather enjoyed sleeping in until the sun had fully risen. After years of stressful mornings, she was finally free to relax.

If only Copper would give her a break, she’d go on lounging even more. But the insistent pooch wouldn’t wait any longer, so Carol finally forced herself from the bed. Her feet hit the cold floor and she hesitated. Then again, with the tiny pup’s eyes gazing straight at her, she could hardly back out now. But once she walked outside, the cool breeze and the beautiful landscape, along with the smile and good-morning wave from her neighbor, well, it made getting out of those covers worth it.

Maybe you’ve been there. After years of early, rushed mornings, you’re finally free to sleep in, to get that much-needed rest! You’ve earned it, for sure! Lazy mornings are wonderful, aren’t they? Oh, the bliss of not being tied to an alarm clock!

Still, life is worth living. Sure, you’re facing a lifetime of endless Saturdays, but Saturday was always your favorite day anyway. Right? So, bounce out of bed! There’s life to be lived. Adventures to be had. God wants you to rediscover the joy of living, and that’s hard to do when you’re snuggled under the covers.

Lord, I have so much discovering to do! I’m so grateful for the additional time to rest and get refreshed, but I don’t want to spend too much time snoozing the days away when You have so much out there for me to experience. Thank You for the joy of rediscovering how to spend my days! Amen.