RETIRED, YET STILL EMPLOYED

TODAY: Say this prayer: Let me be your servant today, Lord, Let me be your hands and feet, Speak to me and through me, Let me see through your eyes, Let me hear through your ears, And love through your heart. Continue to pour your love and your Blessings on me and through me. Above all, keep me centered and Grounded in your love. In Jesus' name I ask and I thank you. Amen.

Newly retired, I took advantage of the extra time to travel. In the bathroom of a Starbuck's on one of my rest stops, I saw a sign, "Employees must wash their hands before returning to work." Remembering my new status, I said to myself, "I'm no longer an employee."

Almost as soon as I said that, I was gifted with the thought that, of course, I am still an employee – God's employee. For it is God who remains my employer; He has work for me to do, and I must be faithful to His will. I am His employee for life and for all eternity.

As a child of God, I was chosen for this job before my birth. I am His ambassador in this life charged with doing His will and spreading His love. I am His hands and feet, and He can speak through me. God has been an excellent employer, and I have learned much from Him. He has seen me through some very difficult times and given me the strength, courage, comfort and hope that I needed. Above all, He gave me his unconditional love. Even when my commitment to my employment waned, and I made mistakes, He was always willing to forgive and welcome me back. He is a great role model. My pay comes in various forms, the most satisfying being the feeling of peace and connection I have when I am doing His will. I have been promised job security. I know I'll never be fired or let go.

As for retirement from this job – that will never happen, praise God!

— B.J. Campbell

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist