Hi Randy, Sorry for the delay in answering your gracious question. Here are a few thoughts:
What is your response to the prayer, "May you die young at a very old age."? 2 Corninthians 4:16 "So do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day." The inner life of the Spirit will be fully known in the age to come. A human being would certainly not grow to be 70, 80, or 100 if longevity had no meaning. The "afternoon" of human life must also have a significance of its own. Elders are essential not peripheral our lives.
Physiological deterioration comes to the aid of a senior adult by slowing them down to the point where reflection is easier to do. We slow down to listen; we slow down to turn control over to the rightful Owner. By being and not doing we have time to reflect on the integrity and satisfaction or regrets of our lives. We promote inner work of looking back to prepare for the future and discover our legacy. The Legacy comes from the heart and is ultimately redemptive.
This book and its message was so helpful in my pastoral care because I often hear - "why has God not take me?" These scriptuers and facts help me respond...."We are made by God the Creator Who made our bodies to decline and He made the most important part of us (our spirit/soul) to grow and be a blessing to those around us and enter into the next Life prepared for it. This book also gave me specific queques: 1) Dimished capacity of the person's biology and psychology are NOT parallel elemtns. 2) Nurture the process from doing to reflecting. (Ask meaningful questions that prompt review) 3) Encourage looking back to prepare to the future by assigning new meanings and/or importance (or nonimportance) of events. (Listen attentively and reinforce the values contained in their answers) 4)Encourage forgiveness (of self and others) 5) Help them know they are loved, secure, and important.
Wow, Penny! That is such a wise approach to "chapter 4" of life! My parents, step-mother and parents-in-law, in the 70s and 80s (my Dad turns 90 in November!) would be encouraged and strengthened by what you have shared. I will definitely get the book and share it with them. Thanks for taking the time to share this!
Very interesting and relateable post. I appreciate your talent and thoughts. May I suggest to you the book, "Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life by Thibault & Morgan.
You are welcome! I’m very attached to your Dad & step-mom … two of my favorites
Hi Randy, Sorry for the delay in answering your gracious question. Here are a few thoughts:
What is your response to the prayer, "May you die young at a very old age."? 2 Corninthians 4:16 "So do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day." The inner life of the Spirit will be fully known in the age to come. A human being would certainly not grow to be 70, 80, or 100 if longevity had no meaning. The "afternoon" of human life must also have a significance of its own. Elders are essential not peripheral our lives.
Physiological deterioration comes to the aid of a senior adult by slowing them down to the point where reflection is easier to do. We slow down to listen; we slow down to turn control over to the rightful Owner. By being and not doing we have time to reflect on the integrity and satisfaction or regrets of our lives. We promote inner work of looking back to prepare for the future and discover our legacy. The Legacy comes from the heart and is ultimately redemptive.
This book and its message was so helpful in my pastoral care because I often hear - "why has God not take me?" These scriptuers and facts help me respond...."We are made by God the Creator Who made our bodies to decline and He made the most important part of us (our spirit/soul) to grow and be a blessing to those around us and enter into the next Life prepared for it. This book also gave me specific queques: 1) Dimished capacity of the person's biology and psychology are NOT parallel elemtns. 2) Nurture the process from doing to reflecting. (Ask meaningful questions that prompt review) 3) Encourage looking back to prepare to the future by assigning new meanings and/or importance (or nonimportance) of events. (Listen attentively and reinforce the values contained in their answers) 4)Encourage forgiveness (of self and others) 5) Help them know they are loved, secure, and important.
Wow, Penny! That is such a wise approach to "chapter 4" of life! My parents, step-mother and parents-in-law, in the 70s and 80s (my Dad turns 90 in November!) would be encouraged and strengthened by what you have shared. I will definitely get the book and share it with them. Thanks for taking the time to share this!
Very interesting and relateable post. I appreciate your talent and thoughts. May I suggest to you the book, "Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life by Thibault & Morgan.
You certainly may! I look forward to checking it out. What is one thing you learned from it so I can look for it too?