Horizons Sample

NOV-DEC 2011

Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

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peace with it. Bitterness in life often comes from thwarted expectations. Things didn't go our way. People treated us badly. Life should have turned out differently. The past is full of both joys and disappointments. Our work is to accept what came our way and to trust that the grace of God was at work even in the losses. It may be that we need to actively grieve old hurts in order to ease their sting. Paul reminds us so eloquently that nothing in life or death can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38–39). Our job is to take hold of that and to let go of all that "should" have been. ᑁᑉᑉᑇᑆᑈᑅᑀᑃᑉᑓᑈ—focusing on where we are. The spir- 3 itual discipline of gratitude is life- changing. Cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving for where we are, right here and right now, can change our souls. The habit of giving thanks keeps us from making petty demands of others and from seeing the world as a place of emptiness and disappointment. ᑁᑉᑉᑇᑆᑈᑅᑀᑄᑉᑐᑓᑂᑐᑃ— attending to the future, 4 instead of dreading it. It's hard to plan for things we don't want to happen, but taking time to make plans and communicate them is a work of creating the future. Where will we live? What will we do when we need more help? How will we make our wishes clear so our loved ones aren't burdened with guessing? Things will always happen to thwart our plans, but we can plan, to the best of our ability, the future we hope for. 5 ᑁᑉᑉᑇᑆᑈᑅᑀᑉᑒᑑᑓᑂᑐᑃ—using our talents, to the best of our ability, in every part of life. As energy and health change, the way we serve the world changes, but engagement with the world, in all its complexity, is key to living every part of life fully. If we can't set up tables for the rummage sale, perhaps God is inviting us to update the website. If we can't attend meetings anymore, perhaps our gift for prayer is needed now. The psalmist proclaims, "In old age [the righteous] still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap . . ." (Ps. 92:14). In God's realm, there is no withering away! ᑁᑉᑉᑇᑆᑈᑅᑀᑂᑐᑉᑒᑈᑃ— nurturing relationships. 6 Faith is always a communal endeavor; we are called to be con- nected to each other. New ways of connecting with loved ones deepen our bonds. Our old friends love to receive letters in the mail, our young friends want to share their news with us on Facebook. Keeping our ties strong—however it happens—cush- ions the more difficult parts of life. A look at each direction of our lives can point us to the places we've neglected or given less attention to over the course of our lives. When we read the Bible, we are clearly reminded that every part of life is meant to be rich in faith, that we never stop growing in our connec- tion to the God who gave us life and who sees us through each part of it. We get in our own way—we give up on life before it gives up on us—but we are called to remember that the later chapters of life can be a time of deep communion with God, rich relationships with those we love and growth in faith. Let us look around and find fullness and peace in each direction of our lives—in God's grace. Mary Austin is a hospice chaplain in Detroit, Michigan. She has served churches in Michigan and New Jersey. November/December 2011 23 Creative Ideas for Aging Well mind and spirit. Consider the following practices for aging well: Body—Tai Chi has C been shown to improve balance, while yoga builds flexibility and strength. Find a local class—many churches offer yoga in a comfortable atmosphere. Mind—If you like to read, join a book club and add new perspectives to your understanding of a book. Spirit—Engage your spirit in solitary meditation and in communal activities. Strive for balance. oncentrate on the development of body,

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