Lately, I’ve been rekindling an old creative passion and pursuing new challenges in relation to it. But I’ve been wondering if I’m too old to try something new like this. I’m thirty-six, and I’ve spent the better part of the last eighteen years getting degrees and establishing a career as a teacher. Because of that, marriage, and motherhood, there has been nothing left to give at the end of the day. But things have been changing. My daughter is older, my career is steady, and I have a longing…a calling…to pour more of myself out for God. But I’m afraid. I’m afraid that I’m too old to explore new paths. I’m too old to start from scratch on old passions. I need to just stay the course and not veer off the established path…right?

   Wrong. The prophet Joshua was over sixty years old when the Lord raised him up as the leader of Israel. Joshua assisted Moses most of his life…waiting in the wings, if you will. When God called him to lead the people of Israel into the promised land, I can only imagine that Joshua may have wondered what God was thinking. At sixty, he was well beyond his prime, nearing what we would view as retirement age in our society. But God called him, equipped him, and was faithful to him. Through Joshua, God conquered the Holy Land for His chosen people because “he wholly followed the Lord, God of Israel (Joshua 14:14b ESV).”

   In contrast, Timothy may have been considered too young for his role as a church leader in the days of the early church. He was called to be a disciple of Paul and eventually to be Paul’s representative at churches such as Corinth and Ephesus. We know that Timothy’s age was likely a concern for some because Paul told him, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV).” So, Timothy was young, yet God chose to elevate him to leadership anyway, calling him and qualifying him through his relationship with his savior.

   Clearly, it doesn’t matter to God whether we are old or young. He can use little children and the elderly to accomplish His will in this world. Rather than think about my age, I need to think about God’s guidance and whether I am heeding His call. God’s timing is perfect, so I can’t dwell on time not used in the past for creative pursuits. God used me then for His purposes. He uses me now and will in the future for His own glory. Therefore, instead of pondering if I have waited too long or if it is too soon, I need to ask myself the more important question: Am I wholly following the Lord?

Kaitlyn Ramos writes literary creative nonfiction, blending personal narrative with reflection. As a reading intervention teacher, Army wife, and homeschool mom in Kentucky, she enjoys travel, museums, and walks with her dog. Her MS in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University deeply informs her writing, which explores faith, personal growth, and life’s challenges. Kaitlyn runs a personal blog called Dream Fulfilled Life.