Re-Igniting Passion and Purpose in Midlife
“What reason could God possibly have for sending a 60+ year-old woman to another country for fourteen days?†Paula, a newly retired teacher, repeatedly asked this question while traveling with us and several other boomers on a short-term mission trip to Nicaragua. Soon she would have her answer.
One of our last stops was a visit to the Managua garbage dump where hundreds of families live in tiny shacks built from cardboard, tin and plastic. It was there Paula’s eyes met those of a little girl longing to say goodbye. She could not have been more than 12 years old. Her hair and face were filthy, and her dark brown eyes appeared hollow. With a slight, curious grin, she pressed her face against the window of our air-conditioned van.
The encounter transformed Paula’s life and retirement. After the garbage dump experience, Paula joined, and eventually led, a non-profit organized to fight human trafficking. Paula discovered her calling. Her passion and purpose were re-ignited.
It is not unusual for people in midlife to become bewildered about what’s next in life. While they have worked hard and have resumés brimming with knowledge and rich experiences, boomers are unsure if they have anything worthwhile to contribute, much less, “change the world.â€
Be assured, God is not done with this generation! Now is the right time in history for Christian boomers like Paula, to re-ignite their God-given dreams, passion and purpose in life!
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