Dear Beloved of Trinity,
Earlier this week, I had a wonderful visit with residents at one of our nearby assisted living communities. Twice each month, we gather for conversation and share in the celebration of Holy Communion.
These visits are always a source of deep joy and meaning. I hear stories of childhood and marriage, of children and grandchildren, of politics and religion, of struggles and celebrations—nothing is off the table. We talk about it all.
During one visit, a resident shared that she is writing a collection of essays titled Groaning Old, not Growing Old. She spoke of her desire to be fully alive in the days ahead—not simply to sit and wait for death, but to draw on the wide expanse of her life experience to keep learning, living, and sharing with others. As she spoke, heads nodded around the circle. The others echoed her yearning: to be fully alive, fully engaged, still useful, still needed.
I pray for the privilege of growing old—something not everyone receives. And whether we admit it or not, each day we are growing older. May we walk this journey with grace, courage, wisdom, and love.
Not groaning, but growing.
Not complaining, but creating.
Not passively waiting, but actively embracing each day, each moment, each breath.
Blessings,
Paul+
For Old Age
May the light of your soul mind you.
May all your worry and anxiousness about your age
be transfigured.
May you be given wisdom for the eyes of your soul
To see this as a time of gracious harvesting.
May you have the passion to heal what has hurt you,
and allow it to come closer and become one with you.
May you have great dignity,
And a sense of how free you are,
Above all, may you be given the wonderful gift
Of meeting the eternal light that is within you.
May you be blessed;
And may you find a wonderful love
In yourself for yourself.
― John O'Donohue
From Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom
for A Modern World