Well, Wise & Whole

AGING TEACHES ME......Spiritual Vitality

Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D., PCSG 

Aging is a master teacher; indeed aging is one of the three master teachers of life, the other two being relationships and sickness.  Isn't it strange that something that takes so much from us, as that is associated so closely with losses, is the very source of so much learning.  It's true, aging is a curriculum like no other, it's a learning process bursting with so much wisdom and illumination ... one could almost imagine that God specially planned aging as a magnificent life enhancer, and so it is!  You can use these in many ways but I suggest a three step procedure: 1) read through this list, 2) study the list letting the words pour over you, finally 3) take each statement individually and meditate on it.  What meaning does this statement have for your life?  What is it asking of you today?  How does it shift your view of aging, and the aging process?

Aging teaches me ...

1.     That the true purpose of maturation is gaining closer communion with God
2.     That as my body diminishes, my spirit advances
3.     To live in a new abundance of inner light
4.     To light the path to sacred agelessness
5.     To tend the garden of my soul
6.     To pursue personal and spiritual transformation
7.     To embrace my True Self
8.     To step beyond the "fake" of the world
9.     The paradox of living: that loss is my primary means for growth
10.   To become a spiritual elder, not 'an elderly"
11.   To become more comfortably "Who" I am
12.   To seek Love everywhere
13.   To honor close relationships
14.   To live in the holy present moment
15.   That the "maturing years" can be my finest spiritual hour
16.   The power and necessity of forgiveness
17.   That I have no more need for anger
18.   The immense value of letting go
19.   That I feel best when I give of myself
20.   That as I celebrate (not just practice) my faith, I find a new childlike freshness
21.   The true purpose of life is to become "living virtue"
22.   The ultimate failure of life is not death; the ultimate failure of life is living without Love
23.   That my feeling are holy, they give me insight into where I need to change
24.   To live life balanced on Christ That as I mature my spiritual pace quickens.   

I find that these words resonate in my life and I hope they are helpful to you as well.  

Dean Busboom
Pastor to Senior Adults