I thought it was just a rumor or story, but when we went on a cruise, I asked one of the staff about it. Yes, people, at least some people, do retire and live on a cruise ship!
There are advantages that are evident: Room cleaning, staff to assist you, medical services, three meals a day, a deck with food available most of the day and night, activities, opportunities to meet new people, entertainment, and a changing view!
Depending on the cruise line there are different ways to go about living on a ship. You have to be ready to be at the mercy of the sea and weather, however, and live on the ship schedule. It’s not for everybody, but does it sound good to you?
Most people don’t think about retirement much when they are young. Then as we age, we begin to realize that we have to make some plans for when we are too old or infirm to work anymore. How will we live? Where will we live?
Will we become a burden for our families? Will we be able to stay independent for a long time?
Some people sell big houses and land and downsize to a smaller place with less responsibility. Some go into a retirement community. Others have to choose assisted living when they can’t handle all the responsibilities of living alone.
At least, we do have options!
Gary and I realized we needed a home to retire to after being in the ministry and sometimes living in our own homes, selling them, living in pastorates, living in apartments, and all sorts of arrangements. He wanted to have a little land and privacy. The ability to work on the property and improve it and enjoy it as a hobby.
He also wanted to be near good medical care and near a town with basic amenities, but not in town or in a neighborhood. So, we wound up with some acres in the country that met his criteria.
Do you have goals for retirement? Are you making plans to take care of yourself into old age, at least as best as you can?
1 Timothy 5:8 tells us: “Everyone should provide for his own relatives. Most of all, everyone should take care of his. own family. If he doesn’t, he has left the faith. He is worse than someone who doesn’t believe.”
That is clear. We can understand the meaning. Take care of your family.
Ephesians 6:2-3 says: “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “That it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Honor and help them when they are unable to help themselves.
Being good stewards of what we have, and not being lazy is balanced against our faith in God that He will provide for us, Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
And so we go forward into the future, doing the best we can, remember Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Most importantly, make sure you have made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, and that your Eternal Home is being prepared for you by Him.
Repent, confess your sins, have faith He will forgive you, and depend on His Grace! Read John 3:16. He won’t let you down.
