If you value people who are older—and also your own aging—these entries will help you rejoice in the fullness of this stage of life: its gritty realities, secret joys, hidden spirituality and cherished moments—reasons to be grateful that old age is always a gift from God!
When it comes to end-of-life preparations, I think Chris and I have done a good job. (Wills, trusts, insurance policies, powers-of-attorney, memorial worship services, etc.) One vexing task remains, though: What to do about all the aspects of our estate that are primarily digital? Some writers have dubbed this phenomenon “digital inheritance”, a legacy that may present a problem for those whoMORE...
Most of us welcome the conveniences that make our lives more enjoyable—or at least easier to navigate. Although that’s generally true for me, too, convenience is not always a good thing. A story to illustrate: When I was a youngster, my father sometimes used whatever tool was at hand—e.g., a monkeywrench—to pound in nails. When we brothers asked why he didn’t use a hammer, his response wasMORE...
“Can I still persuade or motivate others?” That’s a personal question I think about regularly. This matter is related to my ongoing sense of purpose, or at least my continuing hopes to make a difference. Somewhere, somehow. When I was employed, the answers to that question could be framed by my roles as worker, leader, producer, boss, principal or teacher. In those vocations, I had some relatedMORE...
In my ongoing effort to discover contemporary relevance in Bible stories, I want to devote today’s entry to the story of Isaac’s Blessing of Jacob, which might also be subtitled, “A clever younger brother *fleeces his aging father.” (Genesis 27) You will recall how Jacob (“the Supplanter”) duped his now-blind dad into giving Jacob a powerful blessing actually meant for Esau, Jacob’s brother. TheMORE...
Easter’s multitude of joyful themes starts with *resurrection, but can also expand in many directions. Beyond the comfort and assurances that come from the realization that Death is not the final reality, there are other metaphorical and physically tangible restorations of life that we can rejoice about. The Resurrection of Jesus makes possible other joy-carrying resurrections. As a mindset thatMORE...
Along with Holy Cross Day (September 14), each Good Friday is a good time to contemplate the meaning of the cross in our lives. That reflection includes remembering with both sorrow and gratitude Jesus’ redemptive death by gruesome torture—nails in his wrists, thirst/hunger, exhaustion and his slow death by asphyxiation. In his suffering and dying we are granted forgiveness and salvation—aMORE...
A few days ago, I re-read the red-letter chapters (13-17) of John’s gospel. Jesus is talking with his disciples on the night of his betrayal, after the Passover meal and after Judas’ exit towards treachery. Jesus knew what was coming, so this was his last opportunity for transferring his heartfelt instructions and observations—even some *mandates—to the folks who would carry on after himMORE...
We live in confusing times—perhaps also vexing, anxious, over-stuffed or dangerous? Two questions dog our days: “What’s going on?” And *“Now what?” (The first one’s too complex for these few lines, so let me concentrate on the second one.) In some situations, our well-being and safety hang in the balance. After divorces, accidents, economic downturns, medical emergencies, disasters orMORE...
A couple of days ago I woke up with more than a tinge of old guy grumpiness—I hadn’t been sleeping well. For whatever reason—perhaps the surprising re-emergence of a Scripture passage memorized when I was very young?—this verse popped into my head: “Be of good cheer…” These words were part of Jesus’ Passover night conversations with his disciples, coming at the end of a series of his admonitionsMORE...
Previously I wrote about coming frailties, from the viewpoint of someone not-yet-there. Today a few additional observations about this eventual part of aging, from perhaps other points-of-view. It’s probably useful to push back against imagined frailties. Giving up on God-given strengths and capabilities doesn’t feel quite right. But that might be more difficult to consider when there areMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.