Entries in this category probe deeper thoughts about old age. Spirituality, self-image, relationships, hopes and yearnings — all the stuff of self-talk and core meaning for people who are older.
(In worship a few Sundays back, the *Triple Praise Thanksgiving for the Table—written by liturgical poet Gail Ramshaw—included the phrase, “The saints pull us into their presence.” Today, some reflections sparked by those words.) Ramshaw evoked the picture of saints—now living in the glories of Heaven—going about their daily work. (“What do saints do now?” I wondered.) In some parts of ChristianMORE...
(The legendary characteristics of an ill-tempered elderly male are well-known to me—traits and behaviors that I exhibited a few weeks ago. Not one of my proudest moments. Perhaps these reflections might be helpful….) Given my life circumstances in this era of grumpy political leaders, crabbiness might seem to have some legitimacy. Like you, I live in testy times, so it seems fair to join in theMORE...
Over about six years now, I’ve grown increasingly wary about elements of daily life that have shown themselves as potentially dangerous. The ascendancy of a treacherous autocrat started the process, continuing with his tumultuous years as presumed leader of the free world. A variety of near-thefts of my online identity added to my cautious spirit, as did several widespread hacks of enterprisesMORE...
(Some additional “greater good” thoughts didn’t find their way into the previous entry. Here’s the rest of what was rattling around in my brain.) Greater-good-seeking will always remain risky, difficult work. Still, this way of living is worth pursuing because of its inherent worth, its benefits and outcomes. The value of seeking the greater good seems obvious: more people benefit from more ofMORE...
’ve regularly invoked “seeking the greater good” as a guiding life principle. But discernment seems especially challenging during this time of headline-grabbing news and unprecedented emotions. Here’s how I might fine-tune this “greater good” thing…. Measure carefully. “What’s good” might not be easily calculated, especially when I’m wary about what’s true. Nowadays I look at hoped-for outcomesMORE...
The idea of frail can be a legitimate adjective that follows us older folks around, tugging at our sleeves and asking for our attention. But once we grant that thought its place in our self-concepts, it can crawl into our brains like attitudinal kudzu—climbing/winding/vining its way into nooks and crannies where other ideas and emotions would like to prosper. Frail can be both an accurate measureMORE...
If you’ve gone through anything resembling a catharsis—a complete re-examination of your identity, purpose or worth—you might remember a possibly chaotic emotional state right before this deep self-cleaning began. Those emotions—including total repentance and longing for a fresh start—may have been strong motivation for you to move beyond the dead-end of an unsatisfying self-concept or lifestyleMORE...
You may have wondered why lifework or life purpose keeps showing up in these entries. Have I become a fierce workaholic who’s blind to other parts of life? Am I stuck on this one matter to the exclusion of others? Could be…. Years ago, I regularly visited residents at a local assisted living facility. I saw a good share of these elderly folks tilted back in their recliners, napping in front ofMORE...
Where I live, yards, trees, buildings, cars and even human torsos have become the chosen perches for millions of 17-year cicadas. Their raspy singing fills the soundscape. Still, I’m not concerned about having to share the world with God’s red-eyed insects. As a bona-fide older gentleman, let me tell you why I enjoy cicadas…. Their buzzing/clicking fits my hearing needs. My hearing aidsMORE...
It’s easy to criticize toadies. They seem sadly lacking in self-respect, fawning over political, entertainment or sports figures who don’t always deserve flattery. Over many years, sycophants have garnered more than their share of public disdain. Their original, 17th century manifestation: Subservient assistants to medical charlatans in Europe. They pretended to being cured—by the self-proclaimedMORE...
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.