What's Age Got To Do With It?

Next spring I will turn 48! That's so close to 50 its not even funny! Have to say in the last few years I have learned your age really is only a number. Its how you feel about yourself that makes the difference. Some days I look in the mirror and I see that nineteen year old girl that just got married, then some days I look in the mirror and see my mom, some days I even see my grandmother in the mirror! Now I know to most people I don't look my age, let alone like the mother of three adult children..but this old girl can feel it in her bones, in the nighttime bouts of insomnia, the sudden onslaught of a hot flash or now more then ever in the fact that I have to tip my glasses down to the bottom of my nose to see the words on the page (granted that may be caused by a need to go get the eyes checked). Recently I realized I have been in ministry for close to 18 years. We have seen generations of youths that we worked with grow up, and have babies of their own. If you look at the media today you would think ministry is only for the young (not the young at heart).  

The wording has changed, the wardrobe has changed. Everywhere I look I see young leaders conferences, young leaders magazines, young leaders small groups, and the list goes on and on. Now I'm not knocking young leaders or the people who follow them....but there are a great group of "older" leaders out there who still have something to offer. It disturbs me that we continue to separate ourselves down generational, economic, racial and denominational lines (and don't get me started on the need for more women leaders). Thanks to the Internet we have an opportunity to learn from some of the best leaders around. Don't confine yourself to listening to just one voice! I'm looking forward to the day I can attend a conference that speaks to every generation, race and economic background.