My son sent me a book called, "Sacred Fire: A Vision For A Deeper Human and Christian Maturity". It was written by a former Catholic Priest named Ronald Rolheiser. My son was really smitten with and even sent the grandson a copy.
It was talking about the three stages of life - in his opinion. The first maybe went to about 20 years of age. I guess how I would summarize it would be growing up and maturing or as he called it fermenting. Basic and it happens despite us.
Three Kinds of Souls, Three Prayers
1) I am a bow in your hands, Lord, draw me, lest I rot.
2) Do not overdraw me, Lord, I shall break.
3) Overdraw me, Lord, and who cares if I break?
The next stage is all the way from 20 to say 70 years of age. Struggling making their lives theirs - finding a profession - marriage - raising children - houses - cars - jobs - etc. Most of our life are in these years. Hopefully towards the end of this season (and they don't want to think of death or look at it at the beginning of this stage - they think it won't happen. Right now, it is their world!), but hopefully towards the end they will have matured and their lives will be lived more for others than themselves. Mature discipleship.
However, that is not the end of life.
Then the last stage is about 65-70 and beyond. Retirement age. He talked about a couple who sold everything - left their kids - went to Pakistan to live out their life to minister to the people. No money. No credit cards. Nothing. The kids were upset. What about us here? The parents told them they were doing it for their kids.
They gave their all. EVERYTHING!
As I read and studied further, I saw they were saying or drawing parallel to Jesus and what he did with the end of his life.
That is how Jesus lived his life. HE GAVE HIS ALL - HE GAVE EVERYTHING.
I FINALLY GOT IT!
My husband and I both are in stage three. We are not going to be able to move to Pakistan, we are not able to do what Jesus did, and we can't give what Jesus gave. It would be impossible.
BUT NOT TO FRET OR THINK LIFE IS OVER. IT HAS JUST BEGUN! IT HAS JUST CHANGED.
You can give 'smaller." I help my friend in assisted living. I teach programs to my circle group. I pray A LOT for people. I call people to support them. I send cute memes to try to cheer people up. I try to let people know I love them.
Sometimes like with Jesus, it is accepted and sometimes it is rejected.
What do you think about the three stages and giving?
From Myra's Blog Respice, Prospice
