Today is Labor Day in the United States, a day when our nation honors all those who’ve made our nation great through their work. Our nation owes much to them, and they truly have exemplified the Bible’s injunction: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Unfortunately, many people have the same attitude you once had toward your job: They wish they didn’t have to work and yearn for the day when they can stop working and retire. This isn’t necessarily all wrong, of course; eventually most of us will step aside and allow those who are younger to take our place. In the Bible, the Levites (who maintained the nation’s place of worship) were required to retire at the age of 50, so younger men could take up the work (see Numbers 8:24-26).

But we easily forget two important truths. First, we forget that God gave our work to us, and it’s an important part of His plan for our lives. The Bible says, “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

The second truth we often forget is this: We need to ask God to show us His will for our retirement years. Don’t waste them, but find another job… volunteer your time to help others… get more involved in your church. With God’s help these can be the best years of your life.