Retire to Jesus

November 9, 2025
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
I need to admit to you that I am getting older.  I don't feel like it, but the calendar of time makes it hard to deny.  
 
Now some people can retire and fade into the sunset with grace and the mindset that they have paid their dues in the workforce.  They are content to pursue their hobbies, watch television, and watch the world go by.  There are days that I think that would be nice.  Like I've told all of my friends over the years, I now must heed my own advice.  “You can't just retire and do nothing.  When you retire, you must retire to something.”  
 
But I don't have any hobbies.  Watching television isn't very satisfying.  However, I can, on occasion, put my mind in neutral and just watch the world go by.  Armona says that my mind is in neutral most of the time. 😊There are days when “neutral” is good and satisfying.
 
Recently, I had an occasion to meet with some younger pastors.  During the course of the conversation, they asked if I had considered retirement and what was my succession plan for the church if I got hit by a bus.  As they were asking this, I thought to myself, “I've got more wisdom, grit, tenacity, and determination in my old bones, than they have in their collective thumbs.”  So, I tried to politely deflect the question toward them.  “What's your succession plan if you get hit by a bus?”  Who plans on getting hit by a bus anyway?
 
Come to think about it, the tone of their questioning indeed raised my blood pressure.  Maybe their questioning was a coup to give me a heart attack and force me into retirement.  
 
When am I going to retire from my life passion, sharing the gospel good news of Jesus Christ?  The answer is…..drum roll please.  I pray that even my tombstone is a witness to my testimony.  
  
Thinking ahead…Pastor Allan
 
 
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