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The challenges and sufferings of aging are obvious, but are there also good things, even joys? Here are the answers of a few of our elderly members.
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- (age 80)
At the top of my list of joys is a continually growing and maturing relationship with God. It’s very different from what I came here with fifty-plus years ago and even five years ago, and this is a deep joy and consolation.
Also there is a certain serenity that comes with more experience of life, not such ups and downs as there were in my earlier life. I have more of a basis for discerning things, and there’s a joy in being able to share from my experiences.
Friendships are deeper, and I appreciate the little things in life more than before.
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Fr. Robert Wild (age 82)
I could list many joys in my life right now, but the one I’d like to highlight is knowing that, even after I fall asleep in the Lord, books that I’ve helped to edit about Catherine Doherty or those I have written myself, will—some of them, at least!—continue to feed the minds and hearts of God’s people.
It’s like something of my presence will continue after me.
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Carol Ann Geiske
The joys of growing old? Here are mine:
1) The temptation to put things off—like forgiving and working to mend a relationship, taking time to pray, and acting on an inspiration—has lessened.
2) The desires to please and “do it right” have lessened.
3) I have less fear and am more able to admit that I can’t do something.
4) I am able to accept help from others more easily.
5) Long-lasting friendships
6) Seeing young people growing in faith and trust in God and living it out.
7) More fire in my heart for God and people.
8) The time of seeing my Lord, the One who loves me and saves me, is drawing nearer.
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Jan Hills (age 83)
The more I accept my limitations, the more joyful and peaceful I am. Everything, every moment, belongs to God. He uses everything, even our weaknesses and limitations, if only we have the right disposition, as long as we want to go towards him.
But surrender takes struggle. It gets easier, but I still need to surrender again when I face a new loss.
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Theresa Marsey (age 91)
My greatest joy is life. I am glad to be alive. Life is God’s greatest gift. To wake up to a beautiful sunrise and chirping birds, to know God loves me just as I am with aches and pains and wrinkled skin. I may walk like a gorilla when I get out of bed but with his help, somehow I get moving, and it is all worth it. I have another day to live. Praise God!
