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Living on borrowed time

Laurie Hanchard

The Bible tells us that our allotted span is “threescore years and ten” (or “70 years”, Psalm 90:10). This used to be the age at which people retired from active work, but now the usual retirement age is 65 or even lower.

If you have reached retirement, what do you do with your time? Do you spend it in gardening, woodworking, golfing or some other hobby? It is good to have a hobby. The person who fails to do anything after working a 40-hour week for 50 years, frequently dies of boredom.

In England, I knew of a large manufacturing company which was run by two brothers who were Christians. In order to help their retirees remain active, they set up a shop with lathes, presses and other manufacturing equipment. The men were allowed to come in and use the equipment to make parts which they needed personally. It was also arranged that they could quote on producing certain components that were needed by the firm. They had deadlines to meet for the production of the parts, but the retirees could organize the work among themselves so that one could work two mornings a week and another could work afternoons. It took some scheduling, but they were able to utilize their experience of many years to produce something of value. They were also able to supplement their pensions and continue to feel that they were of use to society. Perhaps some enlightened firm in Canada could do something similar.

When you are retired, another possibility is to give more attention to Christian matters. Take an inventory of your abilities, and see how these could be used in the service of the church. A friend of mine who had spent his life as an engineer, decided on retirement to earn a Doctor of Divinity degree. Since doing that, he has written five Christian books. Another friend organized a group of qualified seniors to help other seniors by doing small jobs in their homes, such as plumbing, electrical and other repairs. He has also spent many hours doing repairs and renovations at the church.

It is a pity when seniors who have so much experience and knowledge decide that they should no longer use it. The church and the community are the poorer when that happens.

When I retired as an accountant I asked the Lord to give me another interest. I still perform a little accounting work for a few clients, but the new interest which I have received from Him is writing.

In this way, I can use my talents to build up the church and reach those outside the church. Now that I am over 70, I am living on borrowed time, and I must use it to God’s glory.

Laurie Hanchard lives in Edmonton, Alta.

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Last modified January 9, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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