This week and next, I’m going to finish this series on “Never too Old for Purpose” the way I finished the previous series, “Never Too Young for Purpose,” and that is by focusing on the wisdom books of the Bible, of which Proverbs is a part. Proverbs addressed many aspects of life including finances, leadership, family, and business, and specifically contrasts the life of the wise and their antithesis, the fool. This week, let’s look at a verse that speaks to the young and not-so-young:
The glory of the young is their strength, the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old (Proverbs 20:29).
As I write, I’ve just returned from a missions trip to Kenya with a group of 15 of which I was the oldest member. At one point, we planted some trees at a building dedication and someone took a picture of me while I was bent over, capturing a view of the top of my head which I can’t see in the mirror. When I saw the picture, I saw all gray, thinning hair. Another translation of Proverbs 20:29 says gray hair is a crown. If that’s true, then I am sporting a pretty healthy crown right now.
The good news is we had some young members with us or as I like to refer to them, “young legs.” They could run and jump and not get tired, whereas the older members who had made the trip before provided the guidance for their youthful energy. We made a good team not only because of our diverse gifts but our diverse ages.
It can be difficult for the old to admit that they have lost a step, both physically and mentally. We can’t do what we used to do—or at least I can’t—so we should stop trying and instead give younger team and family members with more strength the chance to excel. I see this in ministry where my aging colleagues continue to serve, convinced they’ve still “got it” when they don’t.
Some continue on to collect a paycheck, using up ministry resources that could and should be used for other activities. People love and respect these leaders, however, so there is no one with the courage or heart to tell them it’s time not to retire necessarily but to transition to a different role. And what role would that be?
It's the role of the advisor, the coach, the mentor. It’s the role not of the quarterback or the captain, but the role of one who comes alongside others to provide a voice of reason and experience. And what if the organization someone with gray hair is in isn't interested in their wisdom and experience? Then it’s time for the gray-haired one to find a way to share what they have to a new audience in a different organization or through social media or writing.
Ten years ago, I left a position in a church where I was well paid, making a positive contribution. I was 64 years old, but I felt it was time for someone younger to gain the experience I already had. It wasn’t about keeping my salary (and the church paid their pastors well) or hanging on until I couldn’t function any longer. It was all about stepping aside and allowing someone younger with more “strength” to get the experience. Now I travel, teach, write, and publish. I keep busy and had a chance on this last missions trip to share my wisdom in Africa with people who were eager to hear it.
Do you have a crown of splendor, or in other words, is your hair gray, representing many years of life? If so, are you ready to accept a new role, making way for the young? Or perhaps you are still young working with those who are older? Then you should keep in mind that you need the wisdom of the aged while accepting that your “young legs” will be the ones to run the race while your elders cheer you on. And of course, you’re taking one step closer every day to the time when you will have that crown of splendor.
As you read this, know that your crown of gray hair is on its way, if it’s not already here. Whenever it comes, know that it’s time for you to graciously accept the role that age gives you, which is cheering the runners on. The young and old can make an effective team, but only if the old don’t pretend that they’re young when they’re not and the young don’t pretend to have the wisdom that only years of life can provide. Have a blessed week.
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