Elders, Age and Respect

I’ve been spending some time reflecting on age, wisdom and life over the last couple of weeks. As young-ish people, we are often accused of lacking respect for the old, writing off our seniors as obsolete, and ploughing ahead with our own ideas without respecting tradition. Other cultures don’t seem to share our youthful arrogance; they look to the past in order to find a way forward. Here is a great quote from a book I am reading at the moment,

‘The destination component of ‘walking with God’ offers a metaphor of progress for describing a disciple’s old age and death. The life of the old person is approaching its ‘natural’ outcome, an even closer relationship with God than has characterised the whole journey. This metaphorical perception of the final stage of the journey with God can and does function to transform self-perception, enhance dignity and offer some comfort for ageing mortals.’

I want to add that it also transforms the perception of the young. It exposes our experience and knowledge for what they are, wisdom in waiting.

Update

This week has been tough, my grandmother passed away on Sunday night. I've wanted to stop, take time and try to adjust, but life has carried on at its usual pace. I've found this difficult. This week has seemed unreal. Through all of this, I've found the words of Thomas Merton to be a source of comfort. While words desert me, and conversation with God feels pointless, he looks to something that transcends my understanding of prayer.

'The ever-changing reality in the midst of which we live should awaken us to the possibility of an uninterrupted dialogue with God. By this I do not mean continuous "talk", or a frivolously conversational form of affective prayer which is sometimes cultivated in convents, but a dialogue of love and of choice. A dialogue of deep wills.'