Two Old Fellas and Their Second Act
When I was in my younger era, retirement and the “Golden Years” weren’t even on my radar, but with each passing decade, the need to plan and save became something the husband and I considered more frequently. He’s an administrative whiz by nature and an accountant by profession so all of this was right up his alley. In fact, he enjoyed sitting down with the spreadsheets and monthly statements from our financial planner. I, on the other hand, would’ve tossed those statements out as junk mail or written out a grocery list on the backs of their envelopes. Those numbers only made me dizzy. So – yay for the hubs! Always looking out for me. (Seriously – I’m very grateful.)
We’re not “there” yet (wherever “there” is), but we’re way closer now than we used to be. So we do have discussions on occasion about the time when we both have a little more freedom in our schedules. We watch other couples amp up their travel agendas. Some finally get to spend more time with their kids and grandkids. Some invest in serving various organizations and nonprofits or their churches and ministries. And some have no plan at all except to sleep in and drink coffee all day.
If you’re still in your younger era, please don’t check out just yet. While you may think that what I’m saying doesn’t apply to you, you would be right – for now. But if the Lord allows you a good, long life, that will involve getting older. And what I’m learning now is that I wish I’d taken better notes when I was younger. I might have been better prepared for what life is bringing my way now. So hang in there, young ones.
I’ve got a great story to tell you about a couple of old fellas who had an incredible second act.
The one guy has an exciting beginning to his life – being one of thousands of newborn boys who had been ordered to be executed by the king. By God’s design, this baby boy is rescued by none other than the murderous king’s daughter. He grows up in the palace as royalty, educated and surrounded by luxury. Then he gets involved in a situation that so enrages the king that he wants this guy dead. So he’s on the run and finds his happy place in the desert – married, working for his father-in-law, and tending a bunch of sheep. It’s a big step down, but no one is trying to kill him. As the years go by, he probably reminisces about the palace life on occasion. He thinks about the delicious food and the fine robes from his past. But again, here is where he’s found safety, and here is probably where the sand will run out of his hourglass. He’ll be hanging up his staff soon and just waiting for the end. Or so he thinks.
On one of those desert outings with his flock, the guy notices a burning bush – which weirdly isn’t being consumed by the fire. So he wanders closer to see what this is all about. Then – no lie – a Voice speaks to him from the bush, and it’s God Himself. The guy is freaked out! He knows it’s God, and he’s scared to death! God tells the guy that he’s going to be God’s instrument to lead His people out of over 400 years of slavery. Arguing with God is a dumb move, but this guy tries to convince God that he’s not up for the challenge. Again – arguing with God is a dumb move. God is more than a little irritated with the guy.
Enter the guy’s older brother. God has just told him to go and search for the guy so he’s about to walk up on the tail end of God’s conversation with the guy. God has told the guy that since he’s a little afraid to speak in front of kings and stuff, He’ll send his brother to be the spokesperson. The brother shows up, and the guy tells him everything God has just told him.
Who knows what these two old fellas had planned for their “Golden Years?” But that day, all those plans went up in smoke. At ages 80 and 83, Moses and Aaron began their second act. And it was greater and wilder than either of them could have imagined! God used these two to emancipate the nation of Israel.
Regardless of age, what can we take away from their story? First of all, your age doesn’t limit God’s plans. He’s looking at your willingness to be used in whatever way He determines and gifts you. As David was nearing the end of his life, he charged his son Solomon with these words: “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts...” (1 Chronicles 28:9) Say “yes” to God, and watch Him work in and through you.
Second, God’s plans always prevail, and they’re always for His glory and for your good. Near the end of Job’s time of suffering and after being rightfully dressed down by Almighty God, Job said this, “I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2) You can make your life plans independent of the Lord, but ultimately the sovereign plans of Sovereign God will come to pass. Align your future with the One Who holds eternity.
Third, retirement isn’t in the Bible. You may slow down. Your schedule may change. But God has ultimate authority over how you spend your time. Seek His wisdom and direction as you consider your future. Fill your time, your heart, and your mind with activities that display the goodness of God – whether that’s caring for others, counseling, serving in whatever practical way is needed or exercising the gift of prayer. We aren’t entitled to even one more day of life, but if God is gracious to grant it, may we use it to be a blessing. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Fourth, God has given you talents and creativity that you may feel discouraged about never getting to put to use or to enjoy. The day is coming – or is upon you – when you can finally exercise those gifts for the purpose of serving and blessing others. Love to cook? Bless a busy family or someone recuperating from a surgery with a night out of the kitchen. Like to putz around in the garage or workshop? See how your interests can be deployed to help out a single mom who’s needing some minor house repairs. Enjoy kids? Volunteer to serve in the children’s ministry of your church. I promise – they won’t turn you away! In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about all the different body parts – unique but essential to the proper functioning of the body. In the same way, we all have different skills or talents, but each one can be used for the purpose of serving others.
Fifth, plan and be wise for the years when you’re no longer able to provide for yourself financially, but don’t get wound up and/or consumed with whether or not you’ll have “enough.” If God is your Father, He promises to provide for your needs. Your Father owns it all, friend. He’ll never leave you hanging. He knows what you need. Trust Him. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:26-27)
Sixth, whatever you do, at whatever your age – like Moses paired up with his lifelong friend (and brother) Aaron - take a buddy. Find your person or people, and do life with them. Walk through the fire – or burning bush – with them. Rejoice in the highlights together. Stick together through the mundane and insane and pouring rain. Life is better together. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Finally, don’t forget that “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12b) Have your friends, but have your God as first and foremost in all things. Praise Him daily. Thank Him daily. Bring your heart and your needs before Him daily. He is your life. And one day – whether you’re young or old – you’ll find yourself enjoying the rest He’s promised to all who finish the race well.
