Elders at the Gate

The young need anchoring in adult connections; their elders need purpose in their last lap. Together they can restore the broken links of the design for a full, meaningful life. We sense that something important is broken. The younger among us are disconnected in an over-connected world; often lonely, slow to mature, and anxious. They seek safety while abandoning the comfort of faith. Their elders have long, healthy years ahead, but toward what end? Retirement as a time to indulge a desire to travel, or to spend their days in leisure can come to seem purposeless. Together neither have re-discovered the wisdom meant for a full life and the mission that has been built into the last phase, both of which arise from God's good design for the generations. This way of life has all but been obscured in the search for individual happiness. Herein, today's elders at the gate are given the vision, encouragement, and understanding for how they can become the mentors they are designed to be, beginning to help repair the broken links between the generations and committing their lives to bringing maturity and meaning to those who follow.