Retirement

I've always thought that I would retire as soon as I can, hopefully by the time that I am 40.

But really, is that something to be striving for? More importantly, is this something that biblically is a good thing? Nowhere does it talk about retirement in the bible. Why is that? Work IS something that is good. It is not a evil thing, nor should we shy away from it. If we do, we could be considered lazy and slothful.

The premise behind retirement is that then I can take time off of life and enjoy myself. Isn't that the ultimate self-centered thing to do? That I now have all the time to myself? Since when can I retire from being a Christian? Shouldn't I work till the day that I die for the Lord, whatever work that may be? (I don't necessarily mean a job in the marketplace, but it could be a ministry position at a church, or someplace else)