Boldly GO!

As I write this, I am sitting in the Public Library in Fukuoka, Japan, surrounded by people I cannot communicate with but for whom I have a great heart.

Charlotte and I could be traveling across the US in our motorhome or enjoying time with our grandkids. But here we are, in awe of the opportunity God brought our way.

Gary & Charlotte Geesey, Missionaries to Japan

Do we miss our family and friends back home? Certainly, but thank God for technology and the service it provides to stay in touch.

Retirement was never about unplugging from serving, sharing, and giving ... or going. This was in our DNA; this kind of living wasn’t going away. So we positioned ourselves for being available, useful, even as we made plans for motorhome travel.

While there were places we wanted to go and things we wanted to do, the route we took was often determined by who lived “on the way” that we could see. And when we arrived, was there something we could say or do to be a blessing?

Our early-retirement US adventure prepared us to expand our horizon to consider international travel and the opportunity to serve where we could be useful. Concerns for living in a foreign culture and all that goes with it are offset by faith in the One Who calls us to follow His lead.

We challenge those in “our season of life” to consider the endless opportunities to serve overseas for whatever length of time suits you. It is the Lord who goes before you; let Him write a chapter of adventure that you never imagined possible.

Consider this quote from author Ann Voscamp ... carry this with you all day today:

Success isn’t about being amazing…it’s about being obedient. Before you blink and your one life’s a tendril of smoke, a memory, a vapor, gone, know this: you are where you are for such a time as this—not to make an impression, but to make a difference. Break free of your comfort zone today and do something --- touch someone, give something, help someone, pray for someone, serve someone.

And might I add ... go somewhere you have never been or thought of going to ... like Japan! Begin by praying prayers of surrender and a willingness to say YES to whatever the Holy Spirit drops in your heart and mind.

Don’t dismiss those thoughts as being “wild.” An adventure with the Lord to a far-off land might be in His mind for you. Boldly GO and see what He will do through you.


Gary & Charlotte can be reached by email, garygeesey@gmail.com, or through Facebook.

Are You Living Your Dream?

Almost twelve years ago, nine months before Judy and I started YES!, our pastor showed a video clip in which several people were asked, “Are you living your dream?”

Sadly, the honest answer for most people, from both inside and outside the faith community, was “No.” We at that time had a new YES! dream percolating, but we were still months away from living out the dream God was placing on our hearts.

Several years later, while serving as missionaries-in-residence with YES! in Spokane, Washington, we recall meeting with a young, stay-at-home mom, who told us, “You have the dream job.” We couldn’t help but agree, even though we too were struggling to pay bills and were residing that snowy month in a very humble cottage.

We were definitely blessed to be in our ’sweet spot’, actively partnering with young leaders to help light a serving spark in older generations, while casting vision for more vibrant, life-breathing connections between generations. We helped encourage over a hundred brave souls to join us downtown in frigid temperatures to serve the homeless. We heard powerful testimonies of how God was changing hearts and redeeming lives.

We even shared in the Northwest excitement of the Seattle Seahawks winning their first Super Bowl. We, like the Seahawks, were ‘living the dream’.

Pursuing our calling full-throttle may not come with the amenities, benefits, and security we’ve come to expect in ‘normal’ careers. But as we seek first His kingdom, other blessings are added. God has been so faithful in supplying every need through the generosity of many people/churches and through a series of other God-orchestrated miracles.

And, too, with a simple heart pivot, God can transform present vocational or situational perspectives so that we can readily attest, “YES! I’m right where God wants me for now, living out His dream for my life.”

Praying that you, along with us, can approach 2019 with new, exciting dreams percolating!

Afterglows

Our family affectionately labels special re-cap times - following an event or activity – as “Afterglows.” Perhaps you do the same.

Sometimes they are spontaneous - like after Wes & I have friends over for dinner. When they depart, we attack the kitchen together (another reason I love him!). While rinsing plates and loading the dishwasher, we rehash the evening, maybe retelling a funny story or commenting on an interesting point raised during dessert. It’s our private afterglow - a way to tie the gift of that day with a perfect bow. And, bonus - clean kitchen.

Some afterglows are planned. When each of our children got married, we knew after the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception that we would still want more time with family and close friends. Thus, each wedding had an afterglow (minus the newlywed couple who were having their own!).

Two Sundays ago our home church, Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz, voted in our new Pastor – Jeremy Anderson. He, Debora and their four beautiful children were welcomed with amazing enthusiasm!

Following this really special day at church, Wes treated me to coffee at Verve in Santa Cruz. Sitting outside, with a delicious cup of java, my boyfriend and a heart filled with joy over what God is going to do in our church, county and beyond – made for a perfect Sunday afternoon afterglow.

But this year’s favorite afterglow happened following my daddy’s memorial celebration and graveside service in September. My mother wanted her five kids, our spouses and all her grandchildren to meet at our family homestead in Covina, California.

In my dad’s last twenty-nine years on Planet Earth, he read through the Bible annually. One of his final deathbed wishes was that each of his thirteen grandchildren would receive a Bible from him and Mother.

That special afternoon, Gram presented the grandkids with one of Papa Don’s well-used Bibles, each received with such joy. The richness of that afterglow will live in our hearts forever.

Our youngest son, Jeremy, has grown in his desire to memorize Scripture. While he’ll treasure Papa Don’s King James Bible the rest of his life, it also inspired him to buy an English Standard Version hardcopy. For all his adult life he had relied on Bible apps for study and memorization. He is now gaining a new appreciation for the old-school, bound copy of the Bible. Papa Don would be so proud! 

In these last days of 2018 and in this new year ahead with life’s busyness, we hope you’ll take time for afterglows with loved ones. 

And may all of our lives - lived out in the afterglow of Jesus coming to save us – reflect His joy, grace and deeper appreciation for His Word.

Better Outcomes in All Retirement Stages

With Jesus going to the cross at age 33 and with most of His disciples martyred in the line of duty, we don’t have much New Testament exposure to vocational retirement. Some may argue that Jesus’ post-resurrection and pre-ascension days might resemble vocational retirement, but this period lasted only forty days, not decades. And, while less visible, He was clearly still about His Father’s business.

This essay is one of many compiled as a small cadre of leaders/authors gathered in Colorado Springs in November 2018 for the inaugural meeting of the Retirement Reformation Roundtable. Click on the photo above for the full collection of essays.

Retirement is obviously a very culturally-based phenomenon. For nearly a century Americans have shared the notion that vocational retirement will commonly occur around the mid-sixties.

Some retirement decisions are mandatory, but most are self-initiated. They are, of course, heavily influenced by federal laws/benefits, physical and mental health, unions, pensions, media advertising, employer policies, peer pressure, and other factors—loud voices that can easily drown out the whispering call of Jesus.

Stages

So, what are these three retirement stages, highlighted in the essay title?

The medical profession might refer to the stage of robust health, followed by pre-frail and frail years, and concluding with a severe dependency stage. Those with an eye on serving potential identify stages of active application (65-77), mentoring (78-86), and reflection (87+). ‘Go-Go’, ‘Slow-Go’, and ‘No-Go’ are other words used to summarize probable stages of a retiree’s life.

We acknowledge that attaching ages to later-life stages, unlike our early formative years, has considerable variance. While we may have all started kindergarten in the five-years-of-age neighborhood, we’re certainly not all retiring at the same age. Some stalwarts will resist vocationally retiring until close to death. Similarly, our minds and bodies will face benchmarks of decline, varying sometimes by decades, not just months or years.

Most people choosing to retire want to do so while they are still in relatively robust health. They know the clock is ticking on world travel and other experiences they may have postponed while tied down to a job. And some who traveled extensively in their jobs may crave being grounded, with less time on the road.

But how do we as Christians, defined as Christ-followers, allow Jesus to orchestrate our concluding encores? How do we avoid becoming overly predictable, stereotypic pawns of an entitlement culture?

Listening Ears

Most believers accept in theory that we are called to live for God all the days of our lives. While vocational employment may come and go, spiritual retirement is not part of His agenda for us.

Having served in 50+ ministry now for over ten years, I’ve observed a broad spectrum in how Christians view their own retirement. Borderline workaholics may resist the notion of slowing down, at every turn. Others, even in Christian circles, may view retirement as a well-earned, kick-back pass to do whatever suits their fancy. Many others seek kingdom purpose that includes intermittent, welcomed rest.

If Jesus is truly our Lord, it’s vitally important that we listen to Him intently and take our marching orders from Him. He may call some to continue vocational pursuits long beyond common retirement benchmarks. He may ask some of us to live as salt and light among those who have chosen a more traditional, leisurely path. His calling is both general and personal, and it’s His calling that should drive and steer us as His followers.

Many of us who were Christians in our young adult years prayed fervently, asking God to direct us in our choice of a major area of study, vocation(s), mate, first apartment or home, etc. We need similar, fervent prayers in these latter stages of life, asking for God to direct us in potential retirement decisions, arenas of service, geographic living area, downsizing decisions, investments/giving, grandparenting, etc. We’re not designed to live on autopilot.

Free At Last

Personal freedom tends to ebb and flow in these later-life stages. For those with families, the empty nest is often an early gift of personal freedom. Financial breakthroughs in becoming debt-free—even paying off a mortgage—can also usher in that “free at last” euphoria. Freedom, though, is fickle and can be quickly and unexpectedly reversed with challenges such as caregiving, personal illness or disability, financial disasters, diminished energy, and other setbacks.

How we steward initial freedoms will often be a strong indicator of how well we’ll navigate life’s later twists and turns. Serving the Lord with gladness during your robust years will often carry purpose and blessing into your later more frail and dependent years. Sadly, self-centered patterns cemented in the physically robust years may become even more pronounced as physical bodies decline.

In our ministry, YES! Young Enough to Serve, we focus nationally on the unrealized kingdom potential of adults over fifty. One reason for starting at this earlier, half-century milestone, rather than a more typical retirement age, is that this retirement-prelude period is often when retirement perspectives are shaped and solidified.

The Gift Of Momentum

Momentum is a powerful force. Active surrender to the Lordship of Christ is a posture best adopted early and then sustained throughout the rest of life’s ups and down. Yes, God-given epiphanies and repentance are possible at any juncture. If, however, we’ve allowed our culture to pre-define retirement for us, our openness to radically obey Christ may be constricted.

In other words, if retirement is an “all-about-me” entitlement, our attitudes and activities will largely be shaped by this presupposition. If we adopt a whole-life/Jesus-first perspective, we will constantly be on the alert, looking for practical ways to please, honor, and serve Him.

A servant’s heart is a beautiful attribute at every life stage.

I was blessed to see radical obedience to Christ play out in the life of my father-in-law, who passed away recently at the age of ninety. As I look back at his retirement era choices, I see a clear pattern of breaking traditional norms to follow Christ. These choices helped catapult him from one life stage to the next, each season filled with an uncommon, off-script sense of purpose.

I was first blown away by his surprising transition from a retired house painter—residing comfortably in a Southern California suburb—to serving as an inner-city pastor in San Francisco. He was obviously not looking to settle into a traditional retirement. He was committed to kingdom impact and to following the Lord’s leading, wherever that might take him.

Momentum from his physically robust years served him well as his physical stamina diminished. Physically demanding serving projects eventually subsided while mentoring relationships became a more central focus. His serving adventures took him to a variety of locations domestically and internationally, while his ninth decade was dedicated to fruitful living and reflection back on the home front.

With his geographic scope narrowed, he still found ways to venture outside typical comfort zones. His favorite final-decade serving adventure was attending twice-weekly chapel services at a nearby Christian college, making himself available to converse, counsel, and pray with students, faculty, and staff. It was a breath of fresh air for both that academic community and him.

At age ninety, some of his peers would declare that they had outlived all their friends. My father-in-law, by contrast, had dear friends from all generations. His memorial service was attended by people impacted by him in the past weeks and months, as well as those touched decades earlier, spanning nearly a century.

Counter-Intuitive. Reasonable. Blessed.

Reflecting on Jesus at the Last Supper, conventional wisdom would tell us that Peter had it right. He should have been the one washing Jesus’ feet. Jesus was about to die for the sins of the world, and here He was, taking time to personally wash the disciples’ dirty feet. Jesus set before us a counter-intuitive path, one that he wants us to adopt as we enter into life stages when others might naturally insist that it’s time we set the serving towel aside.

While counter-intuitive, Jesus’ call is not wildly irrational or unreasonable. Jesus had good reasons for washing the disciples’ feet. He did it to show us the way. “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17 (NIV)

You may need to make some reasonable shifts along the way. If you’re a roofer approaching your seventies, God may want you to find serving avenues a bit more down to earth.

Being called to have a servant’s heart until our last breath is not a miserable life sentence. It will enrich our lives each step of the way.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

When Paul, Silas, and Timothy urged the Church at Thessalonica to warn those who were idle and disruptive, I doubt the warning was to be couched in guilt, shame, or legalism. It was for their own benefit, for both now and eternity. Disruption of Christ’s lifelong plan— by choosing the idle lane—is not good for us nor those around us.

We’re the winners when we choose to follow Christ’s example and walk the lifelong path of a servant. It’s the truer path of blessing.

53 Plus a Lifetime

In one of the most contentious battles in US Senate history, party polarization was palpable in Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s recent appointment ... and continues as midterm elections approach.

“When will the States of America legitimately reclaim her first name?” we wonder. We desperately need to pray for more unity in our nation … and may it start with us.

“But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”  Galatians 5:15 (NLT) 

Even in sharing this verse I can picture members of either major party accusing the other of being the malicious instigator. Help us, Jesus! May churches across this fractured nation humbly demonstrate a more perfect union!

Liberals and conservatives vehemently disagreed with each other on principle, process, and person in the Supreme Court nomination hearings—voting almost unanimously along party lines.

Let’s take a deep breath and ponder four bipartisan agreements that may have alluded us in the turmoil. It’s so hard these days to find common ground, but both sides would no doubt agree that: 

1) Our country is fiercely divided, 

2) The stakes were extremely high, 

3) Age 53 is relatively young, and

4) 53-plus-a-lifetime is likely VERY long and hugely significant.

Scarcity (one of only nine Supreme Court seats) collided with abundance (potential for decades of influence).

In most over-fifty contexts, we tend to emphasize the scarcity—not abundance—of significant years remaining. We project that a 53-year-old may have a dozen or so productive years left, before settling down to enjoy the fruit of his or her labor.

Although surrounded by notable exceptions, we often assume influence will shrink during these later years. We don’t instinctively see this as a season to unravel constitutional dilemmas, make long term commitments, go into hard places, or take on other consequential challenges.

Most other public service assignments are restricted by two-to six-year terms, recurring-term limits, or a mandatory retirement age.

“At 53, he is young enough to serve for decades...” the New York Times spotlighted.

Political differences aside, let’s underscore and contemplate this broader, far-flung potential of ‘53-plus-a-lifetime’.

I think of our friends, Bob and Charlene Pagett, who started Assist International in their early fifties. “It was the best decision we ever made together,” Bob shared with me.

Pardon the introspection, but I was 53 when we founded YES! Young Enough to Serve. 53-plus also causes me to reflect (again) on my father-in-law, Don Popineau, who passed away last month at the age of ninety. He turned 53 the year I met him.

Earlier, my young-adult perception of Papa Don’s future was limited by traditional retirement stereotypes—as he closed up shop on his residential painting career. But at 53 he was no common retiree. Many wonderful encores followed, highlighted in my Half Two book dedication.

If we persistently follow God’s leading, over-fifty-plus-a-lifetime can be a VERY significant adventure, impacting generations. We’ve seen this potential lived out. Testimonies of a great cloud of witnesses offer compelling and convincing arguments—far beyond reasonable doubt.

Remember, Church, we are the Bride of Christ, and this is no short-term engagement. Together we’ve been elected to serve and court our Supreme Savior for a lifetime.

There is no higher calling, and there are fortunately more than nine seats available at our upcoming marriage supper—room for many more to join us from all directions ... right and left, east and west, north and south.

Help us, Lord, to more fully embrace our own lifetime kingdom potential ... and to nurture that same potential in others.

Home With Jesus

Our dear father/father-in-law “Papa Don” passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 11.

(Of course, we all remember another Tuesday morning, September 11, seventeen years ago—that was anything but peaceful.)

While our tears continue to flow, we have such a peace and are blessed by a life so well lived.

More than any other individual we know, Papa Don laid out for us a vivid portrait of second-half kingdom potential. His example of fervent living for Jesus in life’s final decades was a huge inspiration as we started YES! just over ten years ago.

The outpouring of love for this great man of God is almost overwhelming. He touched so many lives with his tender, gracious, loving spirit.

And boy, did he ever enjoy the journey!

We’ve heard some people at his ripe age of ninety declare that they’ve outlived all of their friends. Not Papa Don. He had a constant stream of friends and family—all ages—visiting and calling him in his final days—and showing up at his memorial celebration.

The above photo, taken by his grandson Clint Popineau, was from this past Spring on his last visit to Life Pacific College, a nearby Christian college where Papa Don attended chapel faithfully for the last ten years and stayed meaningfully connected to the students, faculty, and staff.

We didn’t just respect Papa Don because of his advancing age. He lived out the admonition Paul gave to Titus: Older men need to live lives (i.e. in the present) that are worthy of respect. Don lived in the present and made the most of his moments here on earth.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

Psalm 23:4 (NASB)

Thank you, too, for living lives worthy of respect. Those of you who go all out for God touch us deeply and help inspire others to serve Jesus to the very end.

See you soon, Papa Don!

Plugging In

Leading an interdenominational Christian ministry, we are tempted to go silent on subjects that might highlight doctrinal differences.

We easily find common ground when talking about God the Father and about Jesus the Son. Prayer, serving, and making disciples tend to be safe ground from a doctrinal perspective, even though we may vary a lot in our practical application.

But discussion of the Holy Spirit can make some people uneasy. The truth is, we all believe in the Trinity, including the Holy Spirit, but there are differences of opinion on how the Holy Spirit operates today. Pentecostal and charismatic churches see things differently than fundamentalist churches.

Early on, we had a Baptist pastor ask us directly how broadly we were stretching the stakes of our YES! tent.

We’re not theologians. We love seeing how God uses a variety of denominational, interdenominational, and non-denominational churches to reach the world. From the start, YES! took on serving projects with volunteers from a variety of churches blessing both denominational and non-denominational ministries and churches.

We’re blessed to serve side-by-side with those who may interpret Scripture differently than us. And we love hearing people from non-Charismatic churches talk openly about the Holy Spirit.

Bottom line, we need the Holy Spirit actively involved in our lives, both individually and corporately. We can’t leave the power cord unplugged. We need the Holy Spirit to help us overcome fear, at all stages of life, perhaps even more in later years as some of our natural strength dissipates. He is our Advocate, Helper, and Comforter.

May we all fully embrace the love of God expressed through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We need all of Him. We can’t get the job done in our own strength.

And thank you for standing with us, as we challenge adults to bravely step out into new, unchartered waters, with the Holy Spirit here to encourage and empower.

Are We Assets or Liabilities?

ONE CHALLENGE WE FACE WITH CHRISTIAN ADULTS ON THE PLUS SIDE OF FIFTY is the fact that Jesus went to the cross at age thirty-three. We don’t have accounts of Him traversing the pre-frail, frail, and dependent years.

We do, though, get to observe what He was doing as He approached death: praying, serving, and making/shaping disciples. Alongside his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed. He taught and broke bread with His disciples and served them by washing their feet. He also brought salvation to a repentant thief hanging on the cross.

Judy’s dad, ‘Papa Don’, is getting closer to the end, and he is certainly eager and ready for heaven. He is in convalescent care, very dependent on others to care for him. Hospice is now also helping to provide care.

But, as with his earlier robust, pre-frail, and frail years, Papa Don finds a way to speak into the lives of others. He continues to share the love of Christ. Even in this dependent state, he brings comfort and hope to others—as he greets visitors or passes out Cracker Jack boxes and tracts in the dining hall.

If most aging adults were like Papa Don, we probably wouldn’t need to pound the YES! Young Enough to Serve drum so vigorously. But we see Christian retirees in robust health tempted to live only for themselves. Add physical frailty to the mix and serving others moves completely off their grid.

Would you pray that we’ll make more significant headway in the months to come? We want to ignite a spark in the hearts of leaders who are on the fence with respect to our active older population. Are they a benefit to our churches and society at large, or are they a problem or drain on society?

We think the glass is more than half full—much more YES! than NO!—while still acknowledging challenges these later seasons present. With God’s help, let’s say YES! to that potential and draw out their best.

Your partnership with us in this task is incredibly meaningful and encouraging. Thanks for seeing the potential that some may miss.

Together with all generations
YES! inspires adults over fifty
to pray, serve and make disciples.

More Than a Buzz Word

Do you ever get tired of certain words?

We have a love/fatigue relationship with the word “intergenerational.” Sorry, it’s one of our YES! core values, but we confess that we sometimes grow word-weary and try our best to not overuse it.

Allow us to explain a bit further. Intergenerational may sometimes sound like a buzz word or a passing fad churches may or may not find appealing or relevant. Because the word itself doesn’t appear in Scripture, some see it as a new, experimental, optional concept.

But, digging deeper, it’s clear God intends for all of us to have healthy, intentional relationships extending beyond our peer group, both up and down the age ladder—and both inside and outside our extended families.

We both grew up in churches privileged to know and love adults much older than us. We didn’t slap an “intergenerational” label on it … it was a perfectly natural expression of being part of our church families and the Body of Christ.

We felt loved by older adults, and we loved them. Praying at the altar on Sunday nights was common for both of us, and older adults were right there, praying fervently for us with a warm hand on our shoulder.

But, unfortunately, with our over-the-top embrace of age-segregation ‘experiments’, generation gaps have grown wider—both inside and outside our churches.

We can’t grow satisfied with just multi-generational churches, although they may be a step closer to that word we’re trying to avoid saying all the time.

Imagine bragging about having a multigenerational family—complete with grandparents, parents, and children—but then we discover your family relationships have fairly rigid age borders:

Your grandparents only interact with their spouse and peers. “Flitter on love flowing outside their peer group to their adult children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.” Your kids ignore relationship and advice from anyone outside their peer group. Multi-, yes. Healthy, no.

Thanks for grasping this inter_______ biblical calling and mission. Whew, almost said it again!

Savoring Seasons

With Spring’s cheerful arrival, we’re reminded of life’s unique seasons. What season are you in?

1. Spring: Our first couple blossoming decades of life focus on development and preparation, with lots of days spent learning both inside and outside the classroom.
2. Summer: Our seemingly endless summer over the next several decades centers on establishing a career, or multiple careers—and for many of us, marrying, establishing a home, and raising a family.
3. Fall: The nest empties, careers end, extended family grows, aging parents struggle and eventually bid us adieu. And in this season, often laced with more freedom, new encore adventures are pondered, and a few physical challenges may worm their way in. While many adults have prepared well financially, prayerful contemplation of this season’s real purpose is often postponed, shaped by the culture around us, or figured out on the fly.
4. Winter: Diminishing strength and vitality lead to life’s final breath—on this side of eternity. For some, this season is agonizingly long. For others it’s abbreviated. Some find ways to reach out to others even in this period of profound, personal need. And some people face death almost instantaneously, never really experiencing winter, whisked away unexpectedly in an earlier life season.

You might find your toes dipped into a couple seasons. Our careers are still active, but Judy and I mostly identify now with life’s third season.

We recently posted a podcast with our friends, Richard and Leona Bergstrom, who wrote Third Calling: What are you doing the rest of your life? They (like YES! and Half Two) are focused primarily on life’s third season and our respective callings within this opportune time.

Too often many of these incredible years get squandered and sequestered. Yes, God redeems, but let’s realize that missing the mark has consequences ... in our lives and in the lives of others. And momentum, too, is a valuable commodity as we approach our frailer years.

Actively serving God in our robust years often carries over into the pre-frail and frail years—adding special meaning, purpose, relationships, and joy. If we avoid risks and serving when healthy, starting when our strength dissipates is unlikely.

What are we doing the rest of our lives? Let’s not wait for all the stars to align. The time to follow God’s calling is now. Let’s listen actively to His voice, step out today, savor this season, and give Him our best.

Looking Out for the Interests of Others

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

It's so easy to get caught up in looking out for our own interests. I know it is meant more broadly, but I like to interpret 'others' to mean those who might otherwise be viewed as competitors. It's becomes a great reminder that we're all in this together. A 2:4 One special!

Directing a nonprofit has its challenges, and it's sometimes easy to focus only on how we will strategically move YES! Young Enough to Serve forward. Will we financially break even this month? Who might write a review on Amazon for Half Two? What church will invite us to speak? Who might we add to our board of directors? How will we expand our outreach?

Taking this Philippians passage to heart causes us to shift our attention beyond YES! and to think about other ministries' needs ... other nonprofits facing similar struggles. Immediately, I thought of books in our ministry field that I've read, appreciated, but hadn't yet reviewed. That was easy ... I just went to their Amazon pages and added reviews on a couple of them.

YES! is focused on the kingdom potential of adults over fifty, so let's remember to think about others under fifty. We're on the West Coast, so let's prayerfully consider others' needs and opportunities on the East Coast. We are US missionaries; let's look out for missionaries serving in other countries. We have strong ties to our denomination, so let's show concern for churches and ministries outside our denomination.

This isn't meant to be just a theoretical mind-bender. Let's put it into action.

Host a High Tea

Here's a fun, timely May 2018 idea my wife Judy wants to share with you. It's more targeted to women, but guys can help with this, too. We like that it's doable for many older adults, an opportunity to practice hospitality, and a simple way to bless other ministries from coast to coast. Because of the royal family connection, Judy will focus her tea on gathering items for Royal Family Kids' Everybody's Birthday boxes, but you can pick some other cause near and dear to your heart.

A Godly Leader's Legacy

“Write to me at Billy Graham, Minneapolis, Minnesota.”

Wow, how cool was that? Just his name, city and state. If we could only figure out how to spell Minneapolis!

Obviously, ‘America’s pastor’ was revered for more than his earthly mailing address. He helped change the eternal address of millions of people around the world through a profoundly simple, compassionate proclamation of the gospel—and a call to decision.

JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA…

“If you have friends, they’ll wait.” Of course, what could be more important than waiting a few extra minutes while a friend prayed at the altar to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and follow Him as Lord?

A friend and counselor to twelve US presidents. That, too, was impressive.

But beyond his address, eloquence, and influence, we love the humility and integrity of this great Christian leader.

Early on, Billy Graham recognized that American evangelists had been commonly sidetracked by scandal in three primary outside-the-pulpit areas: sex, money, and power. Beyond personally resolving to not fall into these traps, Rev. Graham insisted on ministry paradigm shifts to further protect himself from these pitfalls.

It’s hard to think of a more trustworthy man than Billy Graham, yet he insisted on having safeguards in place to keep himself from sexual compromise, financial greed, and the corrupting influence of unbridled power.

We, too, need to set limits and welcome accountability, like Billy Graham did, to help us and those we serve stay on a fruitful path. We are not immune from alluring temptations that might derail us.

Thank God for the integrity of both the message and the messenger!

May God impress on all of us that it’s not just His Word coming from our lips that commands respect. It’s also our living out lives that match up with His Word.

Both Billy and his wife Ruth chose to be buried in simple pine plywood caskets built by prisoners from the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Even in death the Grahams made choices highlighting the redeeming love of Jesus.

In some ways it’s the end of an era. But may we learn much from the legacy of this strong, integrous, and humble Christ-follower.

Sideline Celebration!

As we talk about older adult potential, we sometimes hear this admonishment: “Don’t settle for the sidelines. Get back on the field.”

But men over fifty are not likely to make their way back to the NFL's playing field. Oakland Raiders' legendary kicker and quarterback, George Blanda, retired just shy of his 49th birthday. No NFL player has outlasted Blanda … yet.

Tom Brady, at forty, is well beyond the typical QB retiring age. We love seeing these decades-younger ‘older athletes' excel, still young enough to lead their teams to victory ... or come awfully close.

We know longevity in professional sports is different than life, but there comes a time when the sidelines become a better fit than the playing field. While no one shows up for a game just to watch the sidelines, there is a whole lot of meaningful activity going on just beyond those out-of-bounds markers.

Cameras will often shift attention to the sidelines to focus on an inspiring coach, an injured player, athletic trainers, other players reviewing plays and waiting for their opportunity go back on the field. And camera operators themselves don’t set foot on the playing field during the game. Most of us wouldn’t see the game without those off-field cameras.

I like how YES! supporter Phil Oates framed it in his endorsement of Half Two, “Retirement does not mean sitting on the sidelines. Slowing down does not mean stopping.”

We know some people bemoan the fact that they’re no longer in the limelight, no longer a key on-the-field player. But off the playing field doesn’t mean God is finished with us. There are so many key, vitally important roles waiting for us—off the field.

This past Sunday’s Super Bowl was personally exciting and meaningful. Until the 2017 season, I’ve never been an Eagles fan. But when Nate Sudfeld joined their roster earlier this season, I suddenly found myself rooting for this East Coast team. Nate is the son of Ralph and Michelle Sudfeld. Michelle served on our YES! board of directors for three years. Nate’s grandfather, Bob Pagett, is the former pastor of Christian Life Center, our home church. He and his wife, Char, are founders of Assist International.

Nate was the backup quarterback to Nick Foles, MVP of this year’s Super Bowl. While Nick got most of the accolades Sunday, sideline quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld knew their roles were significant, too. While valiantly leading the Eagles to the playoffs, Wentz had a season-ending injury in December, causing Foles to step from the sidelines onto the playing field. 24-year-old Nate stood on the sidelines, offering encouragement and support, fully engaged and ready if needed to take center stage in professional football's premiere event.

All three Eagle quarterbacks are deeply committed Christians, and their faith helps shape how they live both on and off the field.

This photo from the Daily News in Philadelphia captures yesterday’s parade, with Nick Foles passing the Vince Lombardi trophy to Carson Wentz, while Nate Sudfeld takes a pic of the huge crowd. Only one of these three quarterbacks took a snap Sunday, but they were all an integral part of the team … and will be wearing the Super Bowl ring.

Seeing Ralph and Michelle’s excitement over their son’s involvement on the 2018 World Champions team reinforces for me how important sideline roles can be.

God may not have you on the playing field right now. But know you still have an important role to play. It may be on the sidelines. It may be in the stands. Stay alert … stand if you are able. Celebrate being on the winning team. God is not finished with us yet!

May Our Character Line Up with Our Prayers!

We were recently blessed to attend the baby dedication of our first granddaughter, Hadley Grace Wick, at National Community Church in Washington, D.C.

We appreciated how the pastor asked Jonathan & Emily ahead of time to identify five characteristics they’d love the Lord to instill in Hadley.

They listed: Compassion, Humility, Bravery, Generosity, and Authenticity. While Hadley is a bit young to comprehend this prayer, you can be sure these qualities reflect what our kids want their own lives to exhibit—and it’s what they’re hoping to see in us as well.

We love how God works up and down the generational chain, using our kids and grandkids to challenge us to live lives worthy of respect. This generation to generation thing isn’t only moving from oldest to youngest. God wants to use younger adults, teens, children, even babies—to continue building His character in us.

Yes, Hadley will learn lots over the years from her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. But when it comes to character, much more is caught than taught. May WE, too, live compassionately, humbly, bravely, generously, and authentically!

What are five qualities you want to characterize your life?

New Year Resolve

Many of us have grown accustomed to a New Year’s first few weeks. Sometimes a hopeful-new-then-disappointing pattern surfaces … when optimism and good intentions quickly collide with old habits and reality.

Early January resolutions come with firm resolve that this year will truly be different … only to upset the applecart just days or weeks later by succumbing to familiar shortcomings.

So …  we miss a day on our 5-or-10K-step Fitbit goal; our TV-watching creeps above our new maximum threshold; we eat more than we should; we miss a day of Bible reading; we unnecessarily correct our spouse.

Of course, we know we should get right back in the saddle after getting knocked off our New Year’s prize show horse. But that once-invigorating saddle climb can feel a little less exhilarating the second and third time around. Self-doubt weighs us down as we struggle to get our feet back in the stirrups.

Truth is, we are called to daily pick up our cross and live for Christ. It’s a daily walk, not an annual pilgrimage.

We find that encouraging. Let’s not beat ourselves up over yesterday’s missteps. Let’s do better right now … today. “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

Even with occasional setbacks, let’s stay optimistic as we face this new year.

Let's set some good goals and live lives that count.  May God bless you each new day in 2018!

Second Sunday Lunches

Sometimes dreams take a while.

As you may know, one of our dreams with YES! has been to more intentionally connect generations.

We see value in peer relationships, but we also see how vital beyond-peer relationships are, too.

We don’t like the idea of choosing one over the other, but sometimes our personal bandwidth forces us to prioritize, at least in the short term.

This month at our home church, Christian Life Center, we initiated our Second Sunday lunches, combining college students with adults over fifty. With about eighty in attendance and with a host of college students eagerly wanting to get to know more seasoned adults, we couldn’t have been more thrilled with how this first experimental lunch worked out.

With Scripture to back us up, we knew we couldn’t sit idle and just focus on only more of the same. We had to move in on nurturing these relationships between generations.

As expected, we were fortunate to bring in many more adults in the 50-70 age range and students, who were unable to attend our Thursday lunches because of employment, schooling, and other commitments.

Many adults have commented on the sincere interest these college students have displayed toward adults decades older. Many of these students are Asian, and we are frankly not accustomed to such warm respect.

When we share stories in other churches about how these students are so intent on making these connections with older adults, many heads nod, affirming how right this is.

We long to see that same eagerness coming from older adults, asking how they might connect more effectively with younger people. As we see this happening, our heads nod, affirming how right this is.

While still in embryonic stages, please pray this fervent love and zeal between generations will spill over to many other churches. And we hope to continue nurturing the relationships our adults have with their peers as well.

May both flourish!

Prepared

The storms of life. Some minor, and some catastrophic, as we’ve recently witnessed with Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Irma in Florida, and Maria in Puerto Rico. Praying, too, for the earthquake victims in Mexico, Las Vegas shooting victims’ families, and now the fires closer to home, here in California.

A huge thousand-year, Texas-size storm brings perspective. Our hundred-year storm from last year now seems tame and minor in comparison. But God cares about us amid the big and smaller storms of life.

We, along with you, are praying for God’s provision in the lives of those affected by these horrific storms, floods, earthquake, and fires, along with the many people who are helping in the rescue, cleanup, and restoration efforts.

In both Matthew and Luke we read that the coming of the Son of Man will be like it was in the days of Noah.

People were going about business as usual, and suddenly the day of reckoning was upon them. With no meteorologists, weather satellites, or CNN news reporters to warn them, these people who had scoffed at Noah’s incredible ark project found themselves drowning without recourse.

Let’s not think we’re more sophisticated and that we’ll be able to buy some time, preparing at the last minute to get our lives in order spiritually. Let’s be prepared for Christ’s return, which could happen before you reach the next paragraph or in the distant future. Truth is, His coming has never been closer than right now.

We see some people who fail to heed the storm warnings and we think, “how foolish.” But let’s look at our own lives, and ask God to help us heed every warning from Him.

One such warning appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “Warn those who are idle and disruptive.” In the present, idleness may seem innocent and harmless, but when storms hit we can see idle living’s disruptive result. As God gives us strength, let’s run from idleness, and stay prepared for future storms.

And thanks for your part in challenging others to prepare their hearts now for Christ’s imminent return.

The Gift of Hospitality

Hospitality. What a fun gift to exercise in these summer months.

With so much needed emphasis on the first word in the Great Commission, GO, we can sometimes lose sight of ministry possibilities literally in our own backyard.

For some, the ‘get up and go’ already got up and went. The going diminishes, from Go-Go to Slow-Go and finally to No-Go. In life’s final stages, our living radius is much closer to home--- or our homes move to environments with better physical access and amenities.

Of course, hospitality requires some effort. When people struggle to maintain, it’s difficult to even think about entertaining others in their home.

We may think of lavish, home-cooked meals and nicely decorated tables as synonymous with hospitality. But it’s not a gift reserved for home economics majors, Pinterest enthusiasts, or younger adults with boundless energy.

Hospitality starts in our hearts, as we make room for Jesus and others to enter our lives and make themselves at home.  If we wait until our lives or homes are perfect, we miss the point and miss out on lots of opportunities to share the love of Christ.

We are blessed to live in an area of the country people enjoy visiting. We love hosting out-of-town guests and local friends as well. Sometimes we admit to not being intentional enough about exercising hospitality. But every time we do it, our lives become richer.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:9

We encourage you this summer, as God gives strength, to offer hospitality to both close friends and to someone you’d like to know better---like the neighbor down the street who has not yet been invited to your home.

It doesn’t have to be a gourmet extravaganza. Keep it simple and do it more often. Even coffee or tea on your deck, patio, or porch. Let’s invite others into our imperfect lives, and watch God do something fresh and exciting.

A Taste of My Own Medicine

We are all guilty at times of walking away from Half Two potential, in its various forms.

Serving in this area of ministry, you’d think I’d know better. One June evening a few years ago as I flipped through TV channels, I saw that the San Francisco Giants led the Houston Astros 10-0 after five innings. This game had a foregone conclusion; I was not about to waste my time watching it. I even told Judy that I felt sorry for the fans sitting through the remaining four innings. “There is no way they will come back,” I said with smug authority.

I was right. Houston didn’t mount a comeback. Not surprisingly, the game ended with that same fifth inning score, 10-0.

What I failed to observe, though, by changing channels so quickly, was that the Giants’ pitcher Matt Cain had a perfect game going. Those fans, whom I pitied earlier, were fortunate enough to witness the first perfect game ever in the Giants’ franchise, the 22nd perfect game in Major League Baseball history. Cain also tied Sandy Koufax’s record for the most strikeouts in a perfect game, 14. Better than a no-hitter, a perfect game means no opposing team member reaches first base.

And I, a strong advocate for Half Two potential, missed out on the live drama of those last four innings. I was so right about the outcome—and completely wrong.

And the pity I was feeling for those fans? Ironically, it’s the same kind of “bless your heart” pity Judy and I sometimes sense from people when they hear we’re working with older adults. They, too, haven’t reached first base in grasping how exciting Half Two ministry can be.

Footloose and Fancy Free

We received this note recently from a church leader responsible for second half adult ministry:

Would love to see ideas about getting the seniors group in my church off of their retired rear-ends and ministering. I fight the "I'm retired, let the younger ones do it" all the time. The seasoned, experienced, seniors group---with the most time on their hands and the most seasoned experience---don't want to commit to ongoing ministry. 

They want to be footloose and fancy free. Take off any time they want, go visit grandchildren any time they want. While I understand, that means they don't commit to ministry through our church. The Bible even instructs the elders to mentor the young ones. But nope, 'we are retired and ready to play.'

Most of what I hear is the issue of neglecting the elderly in church. I don't neglect them; I beg them to be involved, and they mostly say no.

Our retirement culture has a tight grip on some folks, and it's a mindset that has been allowed to germinate for years, often unchallenged by the Church.

With our focus on serving, we're often tempted to poke fun at the leisure lifestyle. But we're aware that some real ministry and life impact also takes place within that context.

At one church I unwittingly remarked about Christian retirees who seem plagued with an addiction to cruises. After speaking I was greeted by a precious couple who told me they go on two cruises a year and take a suitcase filled with Bibles to share with the cruise staff. Touche! 

I must respectfully take issue with the premise that visiting grandchildren equates to a disregard for ministry, but I do understand the frustration of working with capable adults who conclude they've moved beyond serving through their local church. Adults who have been tied down geographically for decades because of job responsibilities often have a natural craving to hit the road more often.

It's true that many perceive retirement as a right of passage from having a boss to now being their own boss---with a plethora of other new entitlements.

How 'bout seeing retirement as removing an earthly master so our heavenly Master can have at us in a deeper, unhindered way?

Having younger voices in our leadership mix helps to both encourage seasoned adults and challenge the retirement status quo, leading to some breakthroughs. Some retirees need a fresh wind of the Spirit. It's hard to get the cross-breeze blowing when only like-minded peers (sharing similar self-centered visions of the American dream) surround them.

Many young adults today have a high sensitivity to social injustice. Ageism (neglect and devaluing of older adults because of their advancing age) gets their attention. But social injustice cuts both ways. They can also see injustice in able-bodied retirees living only for themselves.

Before becoming too critical of retirees who scatter, let's remember that the Great Commission starts with "GO!" Here are some links to friendly advice for leaders who want to go deeper on this subject:

• Go for the Head

• Go for the Heart

• Go for the Hands and Feet

• Go Ahead, Take Some Chances

Please let us know when you see some movement among the footloose and fancy free at your church!

And please chime in with your own thoughts on this important motivational challenge. I haven't retired yet and would love to continue learning more.