Aging Well. Living Well.
“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away,
our inner nature is being renewed day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16
Today is a big day in my family. My grandfather turns 99, and it’s also the fourth anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. It seems only fitting that he and I share this special day together. My grandfather has been a faithful lay leader in the church most of his adult life, serving in numerous ways for his parish and the diocese. But what I find so remarkable is how he’s found new ways to serve as he gets closer to 100.
Aging well is not something the young think about too much, but I have kept a close eye on how my grandfather has aged so gracefully. He has dealt with pain and sorrow in his life, but he has never let it define him. He has had health challenges over the years. He voluntarily moved out of his beautiful home into an assisted living facility, and he is now confined to a motorized wheelchair.
I have seen many sulk and wallow when they’ve realized that their body is breaking down right before their eyes. Some even grow depressed to the point of apathy.
My grandfather, on the other hand, has become somewhat of a missionary in his retirement community. He invites neighbors to Bible studies he hosts and to Eucharist services when a priest visits. He never shies away from a theological conversation with those around him, but he does so with grace and tact. The greatest gift he possesses is his curiosity and desire to keep learning at his age. There are always new things to discover and fascinating ideas to discuss.
He has taught me how to age well. He has also taught me what ministry can look like for all of us. The call to invite and share and grow in our faith does not end when we retire or when we reach a certain age. A life of discipleship applies to everyone, even if you’re 99.
So, may we take hold of the two-fold gift of life and the call of a disciple. May we live well (considering God’s mercy) in order that we may age well.
