I am reading a good book by Paul Tournier called "Learn to Grow Old". It's a fascinating read for a guy as young as me. Ahem, ahem!!
Truth is, it's best value is for 40 somethings and the occasional 50 something. He has a lot of valuable stuff to say about preparing for the season of old age than about simply offering a 'how to' about living in that season.
But in it he quotes a psychologist who says in effect, if you don't learn to to live a meaningful life now, you won't be able to organize yourself in old age to do so. Who you are now is what you are becoming. What you will be then is only what you are writ large. Old age will only be more of the same.
Does it have to be that way? So bleak and empty? Not at all. But the time for addressing it is now, not then. Now is the season to reflect on the things that give your life meaning. And if they are not sustainable in old age, it would be good to ask yourself, what meaningful pursuit can I start now that will endure and enrich that season to come?
I'm looking forward to getting old. I'm going to retire and sit around and complain about the government full time. What's your plan?
...just thinkling
