Idle hands are the
devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.
An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
Wickedness loves
company—and leads others into sin. (Proverbs 16:27-29 TLB)
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I can honestly say, I
have never looked forward to retirement or being out of “something
to do”! The past two years of being unemployed, has been an eye
opener! To view so many (not all) people who have labored hard physically,
mentally, and emotionally and then retire do “nothing”!
There are a few who do
some things; but for most, their definition of retiring is
to do whatever they want! What transpires is an unhealthy lifestyle; which is doing too much of one thing, and not enough of another - out of balance!
I'm not speaking for all, but again, many live a routine life, some over eat, some have developed chronic illness, causing them to reside in assisted living facilities, and some have the money and time to travel, but do not! It's an unfulfilled life; without anything being said!
Retirement should not be boring, unfulfilled or routine. It's like any foreseen change; you prepare, with Gods' help - you do your part, and let Him do the rest!
If you are a Christian, we (I'm including myself) are to seek out the
needy, the downtrodden, the poor, the widowed, and the hungry;
everyday, whether retired or not! Opportunities arise hourly, daily, and weekly!
Retired Dentist Shows Students the Magic Behind Helping Others ...
Those who have families, parents, and neighbors have plenty to do! I'm not asking you to force yourselves or get
involved in their affairs; however, many of us know who needs help,
who needs food, and who needs a ride somewhere! You shouldn't have to
be asked, but offer yourselves and your time!
Being in ministry,
(which we are all called to do in some form or fashion) should not
leave you tired, worn out, or fed up! If you come away with any of
these emotions, then you are doing it in your own strength (grudgingly, with a hard heart, and judgmentally)!
When you
are led by God to do anything, you are at peace, nothing deters you
and you understand others pain and suffering without denying yourself
of your needs! There will be people who we are not able to help no matter what - never overlook prayer!
No one sets out to live a selfish life; however, many of us go down that path! All of us work hard at something; but what many do not realize is that when we replace working for God instead of man, then our thoughts and actions change! Never
look forward to a selfish life of focusing totally on ourselves –
if that is your idea of “a job well done”, then ask God for living water!
The woman was surprised that a Jew would ask a “despised Samaritan” for anything—usually they wouldn’t even speak to them!—and she remarked about this to Jesus.
He replied, “If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!”
“But you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this is a very deep well! Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob? How can you offer better water than this which he and his sons and cattle enjoyed?”
Jesus replied that people soon became thirsty again after drinking this water. “But the water I give them,” he said, “becomes a perpetual spring within them, watering them forever with eternal life.” (John 4:9-14 TLB)
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