This is week 4 of our study using the book Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life by Jane Marie Thibault and Richard L. Morgan.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. – I Corinthians 12:27
Thoughts and questions for reflection.
by Marjorie George
In the family photo album there are four photos that stop my page-turning every time. My mother, Betty, is in the album as is her mother, Cora. Cora’s mother, Hannah, is on the next page, and next to her is Hannah’s mother, Jewel. Four generations of my lineage.
Every once in a while, I get out the book and look at these women and say to them, “I may not have known you, but because you were, I am.” I don’t know all the particulars of these women’s lives, but I can imagine some of them as I consider the times in which they lived. Whatever faith I have came through them. Their DNA merges into my DNA. Their lives inform my life. They were the gift, handed from one generation to the next.
Going in the other direction are my daughter and my granddaughters. I think about the legacy I will pass on to them.
That thread from the past and awareness of the future about which we cannot foretell is the gift that Jane Thibault speaks of in her reflection, “Becoming a Christ-gift” on pages 81-83 in Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life. Becoming a Christ-gift, says Jane, means “that in all circumstances our lives will remain meaningful to us and be of use to others.” And may I add, though we may know nothing about it. “We might consider the act of being a Christ-gift to the world as our work, our calling, our vocation for this time of life in whatever condition we find ourselves,” says Jane.
As you consider your current situation, to whom might God be asking you to be a Christ-gift? How can you do that?
In this gateway, Richard Morgan writes about living in a retirement community but notes that he enjoys a special smaller circle of friends. He reminds us that we were created for community, but the best community might be a small group of disciples who practice the presence of Christ (pg 67).
When you have experienced crises in your life, to whom did you turn for support?
Richard introduces us to the phrase Anam cara , a Celtic term for a soul friend with whom you can share your innermost self. We are reminded that Jesus, on his last night on earth, said to his disciples, “I no longer call you servants. Instead I call you friends” (pg 69).
Have you been fortunate enough to find some soul friends? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for each of them.
In these years, stability becomes a priority, writes Richard (pg 71). We have a need to know that we belong and have roots. That can happen in a retirement community or by remaining in our homes and staying part of our church communities or other circles of friends.
In what community do you find the greatest joy? Where are the small circles of friends who uplift you in your joys and your sorrows?
In our later years, we more and more lose good friends to death. But we also never stop meeting new people. Richard says that the distinguishing mark of a spiritual person is turning strangers into friends (pg 74).
Can you remember a time when you were a stranger? Did someone welcome you? If not, how did you feel?
We are so used to giving – to our children, to our grandchildren, to our younger colleagues – that it is difficult to become the receivers of care when we are older. But being cheerful receivers, especially of things that may make us feel we have lost our dignity, may be the best gift we can give to those who care for us. An encouraging word, a smile, a heartfelt thank you – these are the gifts we can offer, says Jane (pg 76).
Where in your life are you being resentful of the diminishments of these years? Where can you change your attitude into one of gratefulness?
As we age, our possessions may begin to possess us. We find it hard to let go of things that remind us of happy times or people we love. But our possessions may get in the way of our moving on with a life that is more appropriate for us now (pg 79).
Which of your possessions are keeping you from living a life that is more suited for your needs and lifestyle now?
Back to introduction to the study where you will find links to each gateway.
The Wisdom Years 