Crossroads –Journey to Significance© to be published by Abingdon Press in March, 2016.
Introduction and PREVIEW
In recent years, we have been hearing our church members ask, “What do I need to do to be ready for retirement? I want the next part of my life to the best. I want to make a significant difference!”
As many as 10,000 men and women are retiring each day, but many dislike or are anxious about the idea of retirement. They want to be redirected or redeployed to a life in retirement years that is meaningful and significant. Yet, transitioning into retirement without adequate thought can be frustrating, confusing and stressful for almost anyone.
For too many, there may be a lack of purpose, significance, and identity. We have seen many people who are at the prime of their life miss out on opportunities that bring fulfillment and joy. We hear of too many stories about friends and neighbors who fall into a retirement syndrome that may lead to distress, anxiety, depression, divorce, poor health, or even suicide. Many worry about the increased costs of health care and financial resources necessary to sustain a long life.
This Bible-based, six-week, small group study offers hope and help! This study is about living a healthy second half of life with significance and purpose. Purpose has a powerful way of bringing health and happiness into our lives and the lives of people around us. God gives us purpose.
By following biblical principles from the lives of Moses, Abraham, Elijah, Nehemiah, Jesus, and Paul, as well as other encouraging Bible passages, you can realize your purpose, passion, and mission for the second half of life.
This study is not just on planning a retirement that is fiscally secure and physically healthy. This study is about developing a spiritually significant approach to retirement that will add joy to your life, years to your life, and life to your years!
Discovering your life story is finding God’s plan for you. You will answer questions about God’s calling on your life, and see how you can contribute significantly to the lives of others. You will see how your life lessons and skills experiences have informed you and can be used to better serve others and find greater fulfillment in doing so.
Planning tools to develop unique personal and spiritual mission statements will help enrich the lives of those who are anticipating retirement in the near future or years from now as well as the lives of those who have already retired. The study will also feature interviews and stories from those who have faced the challenges and have successfully transitioned into a new life with significance.
To prepare for each class, you will read the scripture passages and answer questions in the Understanding the Bible Story. Take notes so you can fully take part in class discussion. Write down answers to key questions. The scripture discussion in class will help you clarify and execute the next steps in the study.
As you complete the Experiencing Your Life Story section during the week, you will be mapping out your journey from success to significance in retirement. You will conduct a self-inventory to discover your significant spiritual gifts, talents, resources, individuality, desires, experience, and seasons of life (STRIDES). This inventory will also provide contact information for areas of service that fit your unique needs for retirement with significance in serving others. Be prepared to discuss your story in class as a way to encourage one another.
In Chapter One, several key planning questions will lead you to reflect on your life story. Where have you been? Where are you going in the second half of your life? How do we discover God’s purpose for this time?
Chapter Two will cover many of the challenges, changes, and opportunities that you may face in the second half of your lives. What can you learn from the challenges presented to Moses and Abraham that can create a joyful transition from one period of your life into another?
Chapter Three focuses on seeking a God-given purpose. How can your STRIDES inventory bring self-discovery and joy to help you best serve others in retirement? What do you believe God is calling you to do?
Chapter Four will help you identify what brings you and others you love happiness. Looking for joy? Retirement is the time to experience true joy and deep satisfaction in your life. How can knowing, loving and serving God through your involvement in your community and church fill your life with purpose and joy? You will learn the answer when you develop your purpose statement for the rest of your life.
Chapter Five is most helpful to those who want to involve their family and close friends with major life decisions. What can we learn from the life stories and examples of others serving with joy? How can you talk and listen to your loved ones about finishing your life well? A checklist for retirement planning will be reviewed. Planning now for end-of-life decisions brings a peace of mind and greater understanding to those you love.
Chapter Six is all about seeking God’s guidance in the management of your financial and legacy needs and in retirement. God calls us to be good stewards of all He has given us. Good financial stewardship of your resources will empower you toward great generosity for those you love. How can you bless and affect your family, friends, community, and church today and tomorrow? You will study the financial and relationship challenges for the second half of life and will explore the need and opportunity for legacy planning.
The Appendices and online resources provide the tools to help you work through the study and information on additional sources of materials to enhance your study and planning for the second half of your life.
The best is yet to be!
© Abingdon Press 2016
Crossroads – Journey to Significance, written by the Rev. Clayton Smith and David O. Wilson, will be published by Abingdon Press in March 2016.
For more information, contact , The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kan.