When I Turn 80

Given our ministry’s pace of growth over the last few years, it’s more common that I travel alone than with colleagues. We simply have to divide and conquer. It had been a while since our founder, Tim, and I had the chance to go somewhere together.

Tim is 85 going on 40. I’ve always admired his leadership but frankly, I just can’t believe his drive and energy in the face of early morning flights, rental car shuttles, and full days and nights of meetings.

While visiting with a longtime friend and supporter who is herself an octogenarian, I felt like I was watching a documentary or master class on life. While each of these legends could have easily decided a long time ago that they could “retire,” neither was anywhere close to doing so and are loving every minute of it.

As I listened, what impressed me the most was that their resilient drive didn’t come from a scarcity mindset — a fear of not knowing what happens next or an inability to stop and smell the roses. It didn’t come from an ego or a quest to hold onto some imaginary fountain of youth. For both of these leaders, it came down to a pure joy and sense of purpose as servants of their Master.

As we said our goodbyes and I checked my GPS for directions to our next appointment, Tim already knew which way to go. I couldn’t help but laugh as I thought to myself how lost I’d be without my phone and how Tim had an internal navigation system that not only showed him the way but gave him the fuel to keep going. I said a quiet prayer that God could grant me the grace to be like Tim when I turn 80. In life, leadership, and especially faith, who are those that strike me as most alive? Whether they’re 80 or 8, who lives with a peace that seems to transcend age, status, or stability? Do I seek to travel with them? Do I inquire about the source of their drive? What’s driving me right now and is it based on what makes me happy or what actually brings me a lasting joy?

On our 6:00 a.m. flight home — while I was hoping the airline would offer me coffee intravenously — I looked up a few aisles to see Tim doing what he always does: being present to the person next to him and helping them find the place where the world’s deepest hunger and their deepest joys meet in who God created them to be. As we move more deeply into this Easter Season, let’s be sure that we remember not what drives our days (however many things there might be) but Who drives them.