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

"It's just so... weird." Carolyn stirred her tea and then leaned back against her cafe seat.

“What’s weird?” her friend Jeanene asked.

“Being retired. Not knowing what tomorrow holds. I’ve always known what I was going to do on any given day, and now I don’t.” She shrugged and took a sip of her tea. Off in the distance a waitress served guests at a nearby table. She almost envied her. The work might be tiring, but at least that waitress knew what to expect from day to day.

“Are you bored or worried?” Jeanene asked. Carolyn set the teacup down and paused to think through her friend’s question. “Neither really. I can’t put my finger on it. I just like being in control of my days. When I had a job, I always knew what was coming next.”

“Did you, though?” Jeanene gave her a pensive look. “Because none of us really knows what tomorrow holds. Maybe you’re just missing the routine. Do you think that’s it?”

That was it all right. Maybe what she needed was a new routine, one that would give her a sense of purpose again.

Can you relate to Carolyn’s situation? Maybe you lived a very structured, routine life until you retired. You woke up at a certain time, drove to your job, had lunch at a certain time, drove home, had dinner, watched a show, and went to bed. Then the next day, you started all over again. Now you’re confused. The day-in, day-out routine is no more. And though you enjoy the freedom, there’s something to be said for knowing what’s coming next.

Only, like Jeanene said, none of us really knows what’s coming next in the grand scheme of things. So, set up your days if you like. Schedule them out with fun activities and hobbies. But remember, not knowing what’s coming is truly part of the adventure, so you might as well relax and enjoy the ride!

I’ve been a creature of habit, Lord! I open myself up to new habits, new routines, and new adventures as I release the old ones to You! Amen.