Doing Some of Your Most Memorable Work in your Later Years

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

Psalm 92: 12-14

I remember when growing up, hearing about Grandma Moses, an artist who was known for creating her best paintings when she 78 years old.  In my lifetime, it has been somewhat traditional that people in their later years have been viewed as less productive, with skills and capabilities diminished, and less is expected. Grandma Moses was an exception to this tradition, to the astonishment of many. 

Psalm 92 gives a different take on the fruits of aging, giving hope that those who live righteous lives will grow like a cedar of Lebanon, even flourishing in their old age, still “green”, still bearing fruit. Finding one’s divinely inspired purpose is not necessarily subject to age limitations, and today there many examples of men and women doing their best work as seniors.

From my personal experience, a key to remaining prosperous begin with knowing God’s plan for my life, which of course continues beyond retirement age, and is found through a deeper prayer life and practicing stillness, which allows God is speak to us, revealing himself in a more profound way.  Choosing to be positive, seeing life as a glass half full, and avoiding complaining about disappointments, particularly our aches and pains, also helps bolster our outlook about the future.

I have been blessed with many children and grandchildren and have experienced a deepening in my faith through writing spiritual reflections, which resulted in my first book, “Trust, Obey, Listen and Rejoice”.  Quiet prayer and contemplation provided needed content for these reflections, bringing me to discover the Lay Carmelites of Holy Family Parish in Marietta. On July 16, 2022, on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, I took my final professions as a Third Order Lay Carmelite.

These actions flowed from the grace of God, bringing much peace and joy after turning 65. Regular prayer and contemplation continue, preparing for what else God has planned for me.

Likewise, to those of you who are now being referred to as “seniors”, this may be a time for a heartfelt renewal of your faith. God has plans for you, and there may be amazing, wonderful opportunities in your future, if you will just let God reveal these to you. An abundance like you can’t even imagine may be waiting for you.

Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings!