Reflections on Aging and Spiritual Growth

This is one of my favorite books on Aging and Spiritual Growth and I use it with Older Adult groups to focus their attention on the gifts they have to share with the world to build their self-esteem. This is an inspiring book of twelve essays written by Older Adults. One does not need to be old to benefit from the wisdom in these pages, but the wisdom that is transmitted by the authors who share their lives and insights are encouraging, insightful and funny. One thing I do with this book is when, on short notice, I need to lead an worship service or meditation period for an Older Adult group, I will read one of these essays and let wisdom of other Older Adults speak to my audience. I recommend this book to anyone who wants greater insight into the spiritual life of the Older Adults in their lives, people who work with Older Adults, and anyone just wanting to explore the deep and rich soil of being spiritually nurtured in the third and fourth quarters of life.

This book is like a Sunday afternoon visit to an art-exhibit. In it you will find 12 landscapes of the purpose and meaning-of-life 12 men and women have composed. Each story is different showing the unique perspective and style of the artist. One writer focuses on the mystery of discovering each new passage in life; another recalls the inner pride of his aging Hawaiian aunt living in her cavernous house; a third remembers the joy of a blind, elderly monk because he had two people visit him at one time. But each story reveals a rich, beautiful portrait drawn from a life-time of experience with humanity and the creation around us.