253 - Growing Older

March 6, 2002

Recently, at a 60th birthday party for my friend, Marvin, and his identical twin, David, I met David's in-laws. In their eighties, they are interesting, erudite and vital people, despite health difficulties. Last Saturday, we attended an 80th birthday dinner for my Uncle "Zip." He, too, has slowed considerably, but remains connected to people and ideas around him. What is the secret to reaching advanced age with grace? At 50, I look back at what has been and ahead to the next journeys.

Two Hundred Fifty-Three

Growing Older

My life has been a continuing byway,
I travel the local road;
You, Holy One, are my Compass and my Guide,
You stand with me at all crossings.

I look behind me, recalling meanderings,
My memories roam on those varied paths;
Sometimes I wandered, searching,
I cowered on shadowed streets, I leapt barriers.

Behind me are my explorations,
Where You guarded new adventures;
Behind me broken steps and sunny lanes,
Paths walked in tandem and in company.

More road lies behind me then to come,
Help me value its changing promise;
Help me to honor the turns already taken,
Relinquishing regret for roads untraveled.

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