Reflect
When Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II in 1978, he was an avid skier, hiker, and swimmer. But during his nearly 27-year pontificate, age and health issues caught up with him, as they do with us all. Even when he was in pain and unsteady, the pope continued to evangelize in person, including trips to Switzerland and France less than a year before his death.
Pray
St. John Paul II, help me to serve God
even on the days my feet hurt and my head aches.
Act
Send a card or an email or make a phone call today to someone who isn’t as physically active as he or she once was.
2 thoughts on “Aging Gracefully”
The only advantage to growing old that I can think of is increased knowledge, but that’s about it. After the age of around 37, it’s all downhill from there.
I believe I’ve only accomplished my life’s mission this last August 13, (I’m now 59 years old) when I finished the final translation update of the book I was working on. What God has in store for me from here on out, I don’t know, sorry. Some people like mysteries, I don’t. I want to know what is coming down the pike.
In my new job at the local grocery store, I stand on my feet for hours at a time. I’m wondering what that will be like ten years from now. What will my endurance be like then? As long as I’m able to get through life with honor, that’s all I care about right now. As long as I still have my eyesight, I think I’ll be ok. As the old saying goes, “Appreciate what you have, and you’ll never be unhappy.”
Lord Jesus Christ, you have been kind and forgiving towards us. May we be merciful as you are merciful. Free us from all bitterness and resentment that we may truly forgive from the heart those who have caused us injury or grief. Amen.