Resilience Of Our Elders

by Rev. Dr. Patrick Vaughn

Patrick is the interim pastor of Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City and a Pinnacle Associate. This article is drawn from his newsletter article for Thanksgiving week.

I recently read an article that explores how different generations are coping with Covid-19.  It seems that those who are younger are having a more difficult time than those who are older. Stress is having a more negative effect on their lives. The author notes that those blessed with longevity have faced many challenges and weathered many seasons of loss and disruption. Their depth of experience has strengthened their resiliency.

 This will no doubt surprise some. After all, while our society extols youth and associates it with strength and vitality, we tend to associate maturity with weakness and decline. There is some biological merit in these assumptions, but our society greatly exaggerates them. 

The author suggests that such attitudes might soon change in light of Covid-19 as younger generations draw courage and inspiration from the gifts, insights, and tenacity of older generations. Maybe they will even grow in gratitude.

 I hope so. I hope that proves to be true.



Of course, anyone who has ever spent any time in the life of a congregation doesn’t need a national health crisis to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our older members.

 In every church I have served, I have met a “Bob.” Usually he is about ten years into retirement and is the first person to call when the furnace for the sanctuary stops working. Sometimes “Bob” might be “Bobbie.”

 Then there is a “Theresa” who keeps an ever watchful eye on the buffet table to make sure there is enough food to go around.

Sometimes, “Theresa” might be “Terrence.”

 There is a “Margaret” who holds the institutional memory of the church.

 And, there have been many “Sarahs” who have walked into my office to make an unexpected and generous financial gift to the church.  

Research indicates that congregations in America are graying. That comes as a surprise to no one, but it is often regarded as malady, a regrettable condition we need to reverse. Well, maybe. I have certainly worked hard over the years to develop programs that engage younger families and their children, and I have witnessed significant growth in that area. 

But as we approach Thanksgiving, it occurs to me that this might be a particularly poignant moment to remember and give thanks for older brothers and sisters whose example and witness have encouraged us during the pandemic and whose faithfulness continue to bless our church.
 
Thinking of you.



Patrick