You may have thought or heard: “I’ve never been as old as I am now!” We can smile and laugh at this, but we get little or no preparation for the unfolding of this part of our life. This new part of the adventure deserves some thoughtfulness, some reflecting on the aging models provided you by family and friends. But maybe, most of all, aging is worthy of some of your own creative thinking. What might you want to do with the remaining years of your life? And I intend this in a much bigger way than just a ‘bucket list’.
I have a good friend, Jerry Jud, who will soon be 96 years old and he continues to work, to play, to be creative, and to be of service to others with his life – to dream a new future. His aliveness and spirit are palpable – still very young at heart! Spirited!
My wife and I are attending a retreat at Shalom Mountain Retreat and Study Center – June 4-7, 2015. The leaders are Dr. Joy Davey and the Rev. Lawrence Stibbards. They are long time friends and people who conducted our wedding. Their well chosen words may stir up your thinking about what they call: “The Elder Journey: Wisdom Years.” I invite you to read the words slowly and aloud to yourself – paying attention to what comes up for you.
The Elder Journey: Wisdom Years
Culture suggests that aging brings a gradual diminishment of life. In fact, the elder years bring new freedom and aliveness. Living each day with the knowledge that this life is not forever throws everything into a clearer, sharper perspective. Life becomes precious, not to be taken for granted, or spent doing things that are not ultimately important. Priorities rearrange themselves, yielding a richer and more deeply satisfying experience of life. How will we live these years?
We offer our curriculum, crafting a life that is:
- Spiritually radiant
- Physically vital
- Socially responsible
Let’s explore our life through these lenses.
Let the energy of the music flow through you – opening inner spaces.
Mary Oliver has a question for all of us: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Do you know about The Chautauqua Institution? It is education, arts, spiritually, recreation – lifelong learning. I have been taking my family there for over 30 years. I invite you to take a look.
May you be courageous and compassionate celebrant of the sacrament of life, moment by moment.
We are all sparks of the Divine flame
Blessed Be
Compassionate Be
Boldly Be
