In his book, “Falling Upward”, Richard Rohr describes the journey through the first and into the second half of life. We move from a necessary focus on self-image, security and status, on to a paradox-filled pilgrimage, destined for the discovery of our true selves and of God’s deeper purpose for us.
If we make a healthy transition to the second half of life, we offer the wisdom of an elder, but from a childlike stance of inclusion, and with a “both-and” attitude — a “Second Simplicity”. We encounter a bigger world, and are loved by a God who is more expansive and more mysterious than the One we knew before. We allow space for the unknown and the immeasurable, and become more welcoming to the stranger and to the “other”.
Perhaps for the two of us, the volunteer work we have been describing represents signposts on this labyrinthine path to growth. Though we are far from making the spiritual transformation described by theologians and mystics, our experiences clearly underscore that “one cannot give more than one gets in return”. With every broad smile and warm hug we have received, with every playground wound and scrawled birthday card, God’s ocean of mercy has washed us with undeserved favor. Like the Central American sun, God’s loving embrace warms us and renews our Spirits.
As the calendar now prompts us to celebrate gratitude, gift-giving and grace, may you, too, be surrounded by God’s everlasting, loving kindness. Happy Holidays.
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