This article appeared in Perspective in December, 2017. One year later, in the early morning December darkness at Bellevue, Washington’s City Park, I slipped  and fell headfirst down 3 flights of outdoor cement steps. What I’ve not shared before is how during months of painful recovery I wondered silently if, in this third near-death experience of my lifetime, I had finally reached the place where I could “hang it up” at last. But just as before, the words came to me again, “Not yet. There is more.”

Two and a half years later, we just removed the cast from my 6th surgery since the fall, this one on my left foot/ankle and leg. I hope it is my last. I can’t wait to be walking again with GAGE. The work I do is different now, but full of challenge and purpose. So before you “hang it up” for the last time, listen carefully. You may hear the words,“Not yet. There is more.”

A new image of caring, mentoring, counseling and service to and through Older Adults is needed today. You and a few of your like-minded friends may be just the ones God is looking for. Once you were called. You are still chosen.

 

Still Chosen

EACH OF US HAS A VIEWPOINT about growing old. We internalize over time a stream of stereotypic images about later life.

We receive signals suggesting we’re past our prime, out of touch, ‘so yesterday,’ and even the most upbeat among us can become discouraged, ready to pack it in. Many of these are ‘baggage’ impressions, actually formed during our earlier years, based on our parents, grandparents, or ‘Uncle Joe’ who never was quite ‘all there.’

 

IF THE IMAGES OF OLDER PEOPLE

in our lives are negative or we’ve been made anxious by observing colleagues who’ve been ‘crowded out’ in their later years, is it small wonder we might feel this way? Even though we put on a good front and perhaps say nothing to anyone but our spouse, it still hurts deeply to feel we have something to give, something valuable and important, but are no longer invited to give it.

I have clergy and business leader friends who, in confidence this past year, have expressed deep feelings of depression and loss in this newest season of their lives. When I tell them I’ve “been there, done that” and the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train, hope rises, and a much needed bond is often forged between us.

WHEN I RESIGNED

in my 23rd year as senior pastor at Valley Christian Center, Dublin, California, I left exhausted on all levels. I had given my best to our church family, but I was done. The well was empty. At least that’s what I thought. Later on I discovered God was not finished with me yet. We still had things to do together. He simply waited until I was able to go there.

If you’ve read this far, and you have given your life to vocational ministry as a pastor, educator, missionary, youth worker, administrator or as a Christian business or professional leader, perhaps you resonate with this. Be encouraged to recognize the symptoms of burnout, but don’t give in to them.

God reminded Jeremiah, “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”[1]

The prophet had to revisit these words later in life, a reminder he was still a vital member of God’s team, even during his darkest, most difficult days. And so, too, with you. The truth is, God is not finished with you yet.

You are still chosen, still set apart, still appointed!

 

YOUR WORK MAY CHANGE

and you may need to adjust your sights. But older, wise servant leaders like you are needed today, more than ever. This is your opportunity to strike a positive new image of aging in the church and community. If you feel being among 60+ age men and women has reduced you to the second team, get over yourself. Don’t wait to be asked, just find or create a new team.

 

YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT

given by God to your family, your church, your city, your world. So check in with the Coach. Decide together what team and position God intends for you to play on in Life’s Third Age. Then give it all the heart and talent and skills and wisdom you have. Join the growing number of men and women who are changing the image of ministry and service to and through older adults.

You are still chosen to finish well!

 

 

 

[1] Jeremiah 1:5