As I have reviewed my blog posts lately, there is much posted about waiting. Interesting isn't it? Especially since everyone I know tells me I have to learn patience and be more patient. Could that be a sign indicating what is coming in our mission, the next 18 months? I am sure it is an Eternal Principle. I am sure Father in Heaven is very patient and has it on his "to do" list to teach Bill Partridge patience.
The other day I mentioned that my wife and I were going to go on a mission this summer. The individual said, "I wish I could retire and go on missions with my wife." I wanted to say, but didn't, "So do I." What is retirement? Since I am not retiring I might be totally in error, but I would propose that retirement is a time when one can quit working and live on their life savings, and not worry about the 9-5 daily pressures. It takes an amount to live, to eat, to entertain, to pay rent, etc. That amount required for the older, or even some younger people, must be provided for retired people. Retirement means no money coming in trade for the time we donate every day to the employer, or the business. Investments early in life, pensions, stocks, lottery, savings, inheritances, robbing a bank or three, etc. all these things provide for retirement.
Many think that retirement is not working. Many retire and go vacationing the rest of their life. Many retire and sit at home and do nothing, watch TV, read books, and just seek out entertainment to fill the time. They "enjoy" the easy life without commitments to anyone else to be anywhere at any time.
Sadly, I have seen those who have retired, doing nothing, physically age ten to fifteen years in their looks, in their health, and in their attitude in only TWO years. They don't understand the joy of, and need of some type of work, of challenge, something to make their mind active and vibrant.
I am getting off what I wanted to say today. Retirement. In light of what my friend said a few days go, I am retiring. I am leaving a job, responsibilities of being a father and grand father in exchange for giving time, talents, experiences to help build the Kingdom. I am entering the missionary-force of the Kingdom with very little means to do so. I am putting it in Father's hand how to provide while serving, and also upon returning in 18 months. I am exercising faith in His all capable ability to inspire me how to provide. We both feel we should go on a mission now, and leave what happens later to Him.
We are putting our lives in His hands. We both love and appreciate the song/hymn "Consider the Lilies of the Field." If He knows how to take care of every sparrow, He certainly knows our heart, our desire to serve, and how things will fall into place as we return. He knows that I am "retiring" and I am offering my all, our lives to Him for the immediate future with faith that all will fall into place according to His control, during the next 18 months as well as when we return.
So when someone asks if I am retiring, I should respond, "Yes I am." I am rich. I have an Eternal Bank Account with Father that is filled with our faith, the blessings that He will give us, and the knowledge that all things are in His hands. I am retiring in the spiritual sense of things. Perhaps going on this mission will continue to add deposits to our account which will provide for our life when we get home. I leave it up to Him.
It seems that I can exercise my faith in Father easier than I can learn patience. There seems to be something wrong there I believe. Guess I better learn...
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