A smart old man  – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 226

I am sitting in a quiet space in Korea after a very busy week at Lausanne where I remain in awe of God’s community.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

Yesterday near the end of the conference, Jonathan, a young man from Uganda came up to me, a stranger. He said, “You look like a smart old man, and I need to talk to you.” I could have taken that in many ways. Smart? Does he mean how I was dressed (and I was dressed very well, thank you, Terri!), or intelligent? Old? What do you mean, Old? In Canada that might have been taken as an insult; In Uganda, a compliment.

I took it as a compliment and we talked for a long time. Or rather, he talked and I listened while asking questions about his business ministry. Afterwards, we prayed. It was with pride that I watched him walk away, his shoulders straightened and his stride more confident. 

Some cultures treat elders with great respect. But that respect can be abused. Another dear friend said that the elders in his community restricted the young from following their dreams to improve the world. Ouch. That millstone quoted above looms large and heavy.

I am still learning my new role, adjusting to this stage of life. It seems to have two parts (1) be available to listen and guide, but only when asked, and (2) otherwise get out of the way. There are two  corollaries. Firstly, my generation and I should confess ‘those things I have done and those things I have left undone’ as the Anglican prayer book says so eloquently. If I confess those missteps to our Almighty God, the next generation does not need to carry the burden, though there are consequences from the actions of me and my peers they may have to address. And secondly, what God has tasked me to do is not necessarily the vison God has given these awesome young people. I should not insist they take the muddy clay of my vision, but if they accept my concepts as a gift and add it to their ideas, they can form it into their own far more beautiful contribution to the world. 

May you, the next generation, fly. You have your own wings. Come back to the roost when you will. I will be happy to hear of your adventures. I bless all of you who read this devotion. 

Prayer

God, thank you for the next generation. May the always follow you.

Amen