The students I teach have no clue how old I am and probably don’t care. When I tell them my age (not usually with full disclosure), I get comments such as, “Are you kidding? Really? You look good.” Then there are murmurings, “I had no idea you were that old.” These are both ways of saying, “Will you give me a good grade?”
Tyler, a university student said, “You don’t act like someone in his 50s.” My interpretation: “You act immature, like a 21-year-old.”
My family modeled a number of practices that really work well as we age. One of our desires as youth workers is to find habits to help us feel young, to remain invigorated and keep our minds, bodies and souls humming. Are there ways to remember our youth and stay in the game for the long haul?
Go Play: Growing up, playing outside was instinctive for me. My favorite class was recess. My mantra was, “Let’s play and stay outdoors.” Our family had a big yard, so we had games going on almost every day after school. I always have loved sports: tennis, basketball, football, from age 5 throughout college. My parents taught me the value of how play develops character, perseverance and discipline. As we age, make sure your body, soul and spirit get a workout. Today, my interests are swimming, hiking, table tennis, bicycling and hitting it hard in the gym. Play makes me feel vibrant.
Get Your Read On: Once a week, our family headed to the public library to read books and magazines. It was free for the pickings, relaxing and fun. Today, I enjoy taking my son to the library with me. Most of the time, I help Andrew find books, but I also find my own. I love the public library, and there is nothing as good as reading a great book to inspire and enrich our minds.
Discern Your Sweet Spot: My mom use to say, “When you get older, find out what you love to do, and try to get paid for it.” Great advice. Many people dislike their jobs, perhaps because there is pay but no passion, money without a mission. King David as a young man loved leading and music. Joseph in Genesis was a dreamer. These same wirings as young men paid great dividends later in life. We get little glimpses and hints as young kids of our DNA, how our interests and hobbies are clues to God’s calling as we age. Find your sweet spot. You will have a new spring in your step.
Find a Hobby: Youth workers are innovative when it comes to doing ministry, but do you have a life outside of your vocation or commitment to volunteerism? Develop some other loves besides work: paddle boarding, surfing, travelling, bird watching, friendships, hunting or whatever takes your mind and emotions away from the urgency of ministry. These diversions are important for our soul. We all need hobbies.
Take a Time Out: I did not learn the importance of going to my room from some religious order, but from my parents. Granted, these were times to sit alone in my room for having pulled my sister’s hair; but it was in those silent moments, with no music or TV, when I had to sit and think…and wonder. Today, I relish the times I can go out on my back deck with my Bible, journal and a cup of coffee to contemplate and listen to God.
These are some of the practices from childhood that I am rediscovering.
David Olshine is the director of Youth Ministry, Family and Culture at Columbia International University in South Carolina. He is the author of Youth Ministry: What’s Gone Wrong and How to Get it Right (Abingdon Press) and the new Studies on the Go: James. 1-2 Peter and 1-3 John (Zondervan/Youth Specialties).
