Elders 'in the hood'

     

     "Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in."

        
     This week I decided to join the seniors at their weekly drop-in luncheon, sponsored by a local church. 

     The large crowd seemed to say these folk were eager to be back with their friends, after too long a Christmas break. These friendships are obviously important to them in their waning years. We hear a lot of talk about the journey of aging. 

     The media is always trying to convince us that new is better, and that keeping our youthful appearance is most desirable. The television screen, newspapers and magazines are filled with suggestions to help slow the aging process — reversing the clock on life. 
     

     With many boomers already concerned with the subject of ageism, much is being written and talked about, encouraging them towards a healthy lifestyle. 

Worthy goals at any age. 
     The passage into what is often referred to as the third stage of life, or elderhood, is inevitable, so how we embrace it may determine how we live out our new way of being. It will bring many changes to our way of thinking. No longer are we required, nor can we, produce as we once did. Having lived an active and busy life, I found this difficult to accept, at first. 

     Then, I began to realize that these retirement years now give me the chance to slow down and celebrate life. From independence, we reverse back to interdependence — gradually realizing, "we will sometimes need the help of others."

     
     And that's OK, too, once we get used to the fact. It really is an inner process taking place, through which we come to terms with change. It is no different than any other change we may have to deal with in life: losing a spouse, a financial set-back, or poor health — letting go of the way things were.
     

     

     Unfortunately, many live out their twilight years with a negative outlook on their life's final chapter — it's very draining to themselves and those around them. 

     
     There is a difference between being an elder and being old. This stage in life can open to us new experiences and a different awareness to the world around us. We now have time to indulge in our favourite hobby or other passion. We can do the volunteering we always wanted to, but never could find the time or, God may even give a new dream to pursue. 

     "I am grateful, that I was inspired to write my life's story."     

     "We elders become somewhat like ordinary sages, as we see the need to distribute some of our wisdom and experience that life has taught us." 

 — Beulah Eagles

     We can do this through our relationships with the younger generation and our grandchildren, in particular. 

     Meanwhile, we can experience now, the joy of our legacy. Unless the Giver of Life has another plan, we all will — sooner or later — experience old age. 
     I am always pleased when I see the younger generation respectfully acknowledging the limitations of their elders, yet not exhibiting an air of condescension or impatience.   

When the Journey is Almost Over    

"Said the little boy, 'Sometimes I drop my spoon.' 
Said the old man, 'I do that too.'  
Said the little boy, 'Sometimes I wet my pants.'  
'I do that too,' laughed the old man. 
Said the little boy, 'I often cry.' 
The old man nodded, 'So do I.' 
'But worst of all, said the boy, it seems the grown-ups don't pay attention to me.' 
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled hand. 
'Know what you mean,' said the old man."        

— Author Unknown     

     

     "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." 

— Psalm 71:9

— beulah               

Sisters: bound by common thread

     "Sisters need not be cut from the same cloth to be bound by common thread."   

     Birthdays have always been special events in my family. Celebrating the preciousness of life seemed important to us. 

     This week, as we celebrated my sister's birthday, I was reminded that a part of our childhood can never be lost, no matter how old we become. 
     

     Though we grow up and go our separate ways, our roots remain as one.  When I made my appearance in our family, I soon found I would not be lacking in sisters. Being the youngest of our brood, my five sisters probably unknowingly, helped shape my personality, partly determining who I would eventually become. 
     
     My involvement with my older sisters remains vague in my mind. So, my earliest memories centre around Merle, "the birthday girl of the week." 
     

     I became the tag-a-long little sister when she and my brother went off to the ice-skating rink with their friends or, to a Saturday night movie in the village hall. 
      

     I desperately wanted to feel as grown-up as they appeared to be. I greatly missed Merle, when she finished school and left the family nest, going off to make her own mark in the world. 

     I was awed each time she came home wearing a new outfit. My favourite, still vivid in my memory, was a black and turquoise dress with adorable kitten heads on the two front pockets.  

     

     Years passed, with each of us busy creating our own family unit. After living many years in the West without family nearby, how elated I was when I heard Merle and family were choosing the West as their home. 
     

     Since then, throughout the years, our families have shared happy and sad times, weathering together the storms of life that came our way. I have observed my sister's courage as she faced many challenges with faith, not fear. 
     

     The difficult years brought losing a husband, a son and other dear family members, losing much of her sight... yet, her inner strength and love for God was evident.
     
     Now, even in her declining years, (of course, Sis, I know you are THAT age), she leaves the door of her life wide open to greet each new person God brings across her path. It is obvious her desire is to continue to bless others by showing love and being an encourager.   

     "There is a family resemblance — for when you emulate your Heavenly Father's behaviours — mercy, grace, compassion, kindness, patience and love — people can't help but notice that you are your Father's child." 

— Unknown  

     

     So, Sis, thanks for being a strong example for your little sister. You were my idol away back then. You are still my idol!!

     "You keep your past by having sisters. As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories."

— Deborah Moggach

— beulah

Take it to the limit

     

     I have always been fascinated with the majestic eagle. King of the birds, it is a symbol of power, great strength, vigour and speed.  

Here are some amazing facts: 

     The bald eagle is not bald at all but has a white head; orange beak; as many as 7,000 glistening feathers; it can fly up to 40 miles per hour; soar up to 10,000 feet from the ground; its wing span can be seven feet wide; its keen sense of vision allows it to see four to seven times farther than humans; pairs mate for life; and it has a possible life span of 35 years. 

     It's been said, the eagle is the only bird that will fearlessly fly into a storm. What lessons we could learn from this amazing bird!

 

     The following is an excerpt from an article in the Jan. 2014 Crossroads Compass magazine: 

     "There's a story of a traveller who came upon an eagle's egg. He searched for the nest but found nowhere to return the egg. So, the man did the next best thing. He put the eagle's egg into a nest with chicken eggs. 
     Eventually, the egg hatched, and the eaglet fit right in with the other baby chicks. He clucked and scratched and pecked around and basically lived as a chicken for years. 
     And then one day, he saw a glorious sight. High, up in the sky with wings out-stretched, was a magnificent bald eagle.   
     Something stirred within him. Something called him to come up high. 'What's that?' he asked a nearby chicken. 'That is an eagle,' the chicken replied, 'the king of the birds. 'He soars and flies and has unlimited freedom — something we will never have.' 
     Upon hearing this, the chicken-eagle hung his head in sorrow and ignored the urge to join his brother high above the clouds. Sadly, he lived the rest of his life clucking and pecking and scratching. He never knew he could fly."   

     Perhaps for some of us, that could be our story. The eagle does not have to flap its wings in order to fly. It waits for the wind, and then mounts up on wings, soaring majestically, using the wind to ease its flight.  

     Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) reminds me that — "Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles." 
   

     This is reminding me that as His child, I, too, have eagle wings but, like the eagle-chicken, I may not have learned how to use them. Trying to do life in our own power, often just doesn't work.     

     If I would rely on God in the same way an eagle relies on the wind, I could then relax into the current of His Love. He would willingly, "become the wind beneath my wings."  
      It reminds me of the song that Bette Midler made popular— becoming the Song of the Year in February, 1990. 

"I could fly higher than an eagle. 

For you are the wind beneath my wings." 

— Bette Midler    

     O, Lord, grant me the spirit of the eagle, that I may learn to soar and become the person you created me to be.

— beulah

Mercy, me?

     I have read that people who study sharks say that they are most likely to attack when sensing blood in the water. 

     

     The blood seems to trigger their feeding mechanism, causing them to attack, often in a group. In a frenzy, they then look for a target. 
     
     I've been wondering if this isn't how we as humans, sometimes respond to others around us, who may be hurting, those with a lifestyle unlike our own.

     We see someone's failings or faults, become judgmental, and feel it is our duty to play God and set them straight. 

          Embracing a high standard of moral conduct and right living is being wise, yet how can we live out our own beliefs without becoming anti-everything to those around us? 

     Respecting the dignity and worth of others is a good place to start — acknowledging, "there is a God but, I'm not Him!" 

     The all-wise God is the ultimate judge and doesn't need my help. As His child, I believe I am called to reflect the character of my Heavenly Father. That must mean to show mercy to my fellow man. 
     
Mercy can be described as not getting what we deserve. 

     "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." 

— Matthew 5:7  

     
     So, I conclude — God alone knows the thoughts and intents of man's heart and therefore, is the rightful judge.  

     Here are a few thoughts that stuck with me — after hearing my pastor speak on the topic: saying, we often hear people remark,"Christians are anti-everything."  
     I hope I've been inspired to show more respect, love, compassion and mercy. Also, to think twice when I am prone to judge one of my fellow travellers. 
     

     All life is created by God and bears His autograph. 

     

Someone has aptly said, "Withhold your judgement of another until you have walked a mile in his moccasins."   

     "For He has set a day when he will judge the world with justice..."  

— Acts 17:31 

          My worship today, ended with the following, Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, lingering in my thoughts, so beautifully rendered at the close.    

     Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

— beulah

Horrible bosses

     

     Some interesting facts surfaced lately concerning the salaries paid to many of the chief executive officers of large Canadian corporations. It was revealed that, "by the time average Canadians finished lunch on Thursday, (Jan. 2) Canada's highest paid CEO's had already earned the equivalent of the  average Canadian annual salary." 
     These are mostly men, with only one female executive in 2011, although three women made it to the list in 2012. 
     

     The pay the CEO's receive from these public Canadian companies, has ballooned by 73 per cent from 1998 to 2012. In contrast, the average full-time Canadian worker's annual salary has only grown by 6 per cent during this period. Who said life is fair?   

     

     Have you ever had a boss who reacts before getting all the facts? 

     Then, perhaps you can relate to the following:   
     
     Arcelor-Mittal Steel, feeling it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. 
     On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning against a wall. The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them know that he meant business. He asked the guy, "How much money do you make a week?" 
A little surprised, the young man looked at him and said, 
"I make $400 a week. Why?" 
The CEO said, "Wait right here." 
He walked back to his office, came back in two minutes, and handed the guy $1,600 in cash and said, 
"Here's four week's pay. Now get out and don't come back."   
     Feeling pretty good about himself, the CEO looked around the room and asked, "Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-ball did here?" 
From across the room a voice said, "Pizza delivery guy from Dominos."


— beulah

Welcome January. Hello winter

     "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." 

— Anne Bradstreet     

     We ended our year and began our new one on a cold note. Yet, we Westerners have been so blessed with acceptable winter weather, thus far. I've been told pussy willows are already showing their fuzzy, wee heads in the Vancouver area, so eager to usher in spring. 
     

     Meanwhile, our friends in northern Alberta through to the Maritimes have been inundated with major ice storms, freezing temperatures and piles of snow.

     I learned that some of my relatives — like so many others, during the power outages — spent Christmas in a hotel. That meant unopened gifts at home under the tree, and Christmas dinner and party foods spoiling in the refrigerator. 

     In spite of the downside, many are enjoying the gifts that winter brings — ice skating and hockey on outdoor rinks, getting out onto the ski slopes or, just having fun tobogganing and making a snowman. 
     
          Remember Frosty, the magical snowman? Consider his advice:  

"Everything I Need to Know About Life, 

I Learned from a Snowman."  

... It's OK to be flaky once in awhile. 
... It's OK if you're a little bottom heavy.  
... Wearing white year-round is acceptable.  
... There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.  
... When life dumps snow on you, make snowballs.  
... Just like snowflakes, each person is unique.  
... You've made it when they write a song about you.  
... It's OK to have an occasional meltdown.  
... You always lose weight in the summer.  
... You can weather any storm.  
... Don't get too much sun.  
... The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul!    

     

     January is always a good time to consider a fresh start, perhaps in the form of New Year resolutions. Losing weight and eating healthier is often at the top of most lists. Staying fit, getting better organized, spending less money, or enjoying life more, are all worthy goals. 
     It's been said, only 46 per cent of the resolutions made will be maintained beyond six months. At the end of the year, 8 per cent of those will have achieved them. 

     Periodically, taking inventory of our lives while keeping worthwhile aims in mind, is being smart. 

     Someone wisely said, "The new year lies before us like a fresh tract of snow. We must be careful how we tread, for every mark will show."  
     

     January also brings the unwelcome flu season — a time to review those health rules that help to keep unwanted germs at bay. 
     I've been thinking about other germs. Just what kind of germs am I spreading to those around me? I know I can spread germs of hope and encouragement that could infect others with optimism and joy. I'd also like to be a carrier of gratitude this year. A goal I am considering, is to cultivate a heartthrob of more interest in my fellow strugglers. 
     Perhaps, by modest acts of kindness, I can help others bear the burden of life's load. 

     As you begin another year, which stage of life do you find yourself in?   

The Five Stages of Life  

1. To grow up. 

2. To fill out.  

3. To slim down.  

4. To hold it in.  

5. To heck with it.       

     "I was planning to get a flu shot until I found out it isn't a kind of drink."   
     

     "When you have the urge to exercise, lay down until it goes away."  

— Mark Twain  

       

     As I began this new year, I am inspired to continue my blogging with the encouragement of my son David, who gives of his time to this joyful effort we share. 
     His monitoring, posting and adding great pictures, certainly gives "zing" to my musings. 
     Thanks, son, for willingly sharing your gifts! 

— beulah