Vocation has no age limit
by Marcia Clark Myers
Marcia Clark MyersGod calls us to live our lives to the very end in a way that nourishes the common good.
Helping young people discern their calls is a major part of the Office of Vocation’s work. However, discerning vocation is not something limited by age. God’s call does not end at a given age.
The church has long relied upon the gifts, commitment and wisdom of those in later life. Our congregations and presbyteries are powered by the energy, intelligence, imagination and love of seniors who continue to respond to God’s call. Organizations such as Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Men, the Association of Retired Ministers, Spouses or Survivors, the Older Adult Network, Mission Volunteers USA and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance channel vocational stirrings into concrete activities that make a difference. Some of the PC(USA)’s most exciting projects have been conceived by individuals who could instead have been enjoying leisure activities.
Since the days of John Calvin in Geneva, Presbyterians have understood that part of their call is to get out of church and “meddle” in their communities by getting involved in public education, health and welfare. With many adults occupied by job and family responsibilities, community organizations have turned to retired persons to fill the need for volunteers to help accomplish their missions. These women and men provide expert help in school classrooms, monitor water quality in neighborhood streams, lead community associations, staff health clinics and Meals-on-Wheels and lobby on public welfare issues such as public transportation, libraries, low-cost housing and more.
Imagine what our communities would be like if all of the retirees really retired.
Psychologist Eric Erikson described adult development as “generative” when individuals act out of concern for the benefit of future generations. In the 2001 PBS documentary “Earth on the Edge,” Bill Moyers called it “plant[ing] trees they will never sit under.”
God calls us to live our lives to the very end in a way that nourishes the common good.
Over the next few years large numbers of Americans (and Presbyterians) will retire. Released from workaday concerns, they will have opportunities to respond to God’s call in new ways.
Perhaps they will travel on mission trips to learn more about our world and give of themselves in service. Or perhaps they will share a lifetime of knowledge and experience through mentoring newcomers to the field of our life work. Maybe they will help a child learn to read or a young couple file income taxes for the first time, or help a single mom with her car that barely runs.
Too old to serve? Never! God is unleashing a wonderful pool of gifted, energetic folks responding to their calls to make the world a better place. Look out!
Marcia Clark Myers is director of the Office of Vocation for the Office of the General Assembly and the General Assembly Council.
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