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Retirement — the word either generates a mental image of our grandparents sitting on an old couch in an outdated living room watching TV, or maybe it brings up anxiety about how unprepared we might be to one day turn in our office keys while hoping our financial planner (if we have one) knows what she was talking about. Well, for me, it happened – I retired. It happened after nearly four decades of ministering in the powerful context we call Student Development. Honestly, I feel like it went fairly well. To be sure, mistakes were made, but overall, it seems like God used the gifts he gave me to make a difference in the lives of the students and staff I worked with – at least, that is what they told me at the retirement dinner. So, how does one stay in the mix for 40 years? Below are three simple ideas that emerged as I look in the rearview mirror.
Embrace Community
The first is to embrace the “C” word — yep, community. As a reminder, we are created to be in a relationship. We were made in God’s image (Imago Dei), and our God is Triune — in constant community. All sages tell us that when we need help, we primarily find it in our people — those we let into our lives who give timely counsel and support. So, stay connected in legitimate and intentional ways. As a few of us from my generation were getting on in our careers, we realized we needed more support to finish strong. So, we intentionally organized a group and made a significant effort to meet together. I cherish those times of laughter and tears, and they made a difference.
Know and Accept Your Limits
Next, know and accept your limits. We all think we can keep the screen on constantly, but the reality is that you can’t. You are human… with human limitations. This may sound odd, but God actually created you with limits. He did not have to form you with a need to “rest” over a third of your life, but he did, and it was intentional. So, accept and embrace the rhythms of your limitations. This will allow you to rest in God’s strength.
Loaves and Fish
Last, give only what you have. You actually don’t have anything else to give. Let me unpack this a bit. I have always been intrigued by the fact that Jesus took time and effort to utilize a small child’s lunch to feed the five thousand. It is a powerful reminder that you and I can’t feed the five thousand, and what we bring to the event will never be enough. But when we unselfishly hand over to Christ what we have, he (and he alone) miraculously multiplies it. So, what can you give? Offer your meager “loaves and fish” that you already know will not be enough without God’s miraculous work. You don’t have enough to feed everyone, but God will multiply it when you give what you have. You cannot control the outcomes of your work, but you can show up and give what you have. I don’t have a tattoo (yet), but if I get one, it will most likely have an image of bread and fish, reminding me of my God-created limited abilities that He invites me to offer in partnership. It is His miraculous multiplying effect of my simple offering that feeds the crowd. So, stay in community, live inside your limits, and be content with giving what you have and letting God do the rest.
The important work of developing the students on our campuses will continue to be simultaneously ugly and beautiful. But, as one who can look back over four decades, I can easily provide a journal full of names of students I worked with who are now senior pastors, mayors, professors, missionaries, journalists, and surprisingly, grandparents – yes, grandparents. So, take heart because your good work with students will multiply and impact the worlds where they will land. Your correction and support will ultimately emerge as influences within other communities, even into the third generation.
