Lit Torch
Wes Wick
Without getting too political, let’s address the elephant (and donkey) in the room.
In this election year, older age has become a conversation centerpiece, with lots of ‘Young Enough’ vs. ‘Too Old’ scrutiny. Most voters aren’t thrilled about a rematch between the same two presidents, now four years older in their second-term pursuits.
In California we’re voting to fill the unexpired term of a ninety-year-old senator who died in office.
You may think we celebrate older-leader longevity at every turn, based on our Young Enough to Serve mission. Truth is, we often marvel at what people accomplish in life’s later years, but it sometimes saddens us when the leadership torch isn’t passed sooner.
We love seeing God use people in mighty ways well beyond “normal” retirement age. We also appreciate seeing young leaders emerge.
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:”
This familiar passage highlights our need for discernment about when to leave lead roles, perhaps retiring or shifting to more supportive positions, paid or unpaid. We must prayerfully consider when it’s time to gracefully pass our lit torch to younger generations. Waiting until our flame is extinguished is waiting too long.
An older, distinguished Christian leader shared with a group about the importance of passing the baton. At the end of his talk, a young man stood up, challenging the baton metaphor. “With all respect, sir, we don’t want your inanimate baton. We want your lit torch, with the flames of the Spirit still burning.”
Of course, moving from lead roles to a supporting cast may be just what the Great Physician ordered. It doesn’t mean our capacity to serve is gone. We still have much to offer.
We can’t help but think of Jesus grabbing a towel and washing his disciples’ feet as he approached his death on a cruel cross. We wish humility and serving would be companions, at any age.
Let political pundits debate who still has enough tread to finish their races. Meanwhile, let’s ask God to help us pick the right lanes and stay in stride through life’s concluding decades.