Thoughts on Life's Anchor Run
Contradictory thoughts come to my mind about life’s anchor run, which in the 21st Century can often span two or more decades. The expression, “Best of times, Worst of Times,” captures the continuum of my experiences so far. Retirement can bring a freedom from life constraints -- rigid time schedules; residences near the workplace; and accountability to supervisor(s) – as well as freedom for new ventures, travel, or downtime.
The temptation in the older ages is to focus on what seems to be wrong in the world, the friend who died last week, or the most recent doctor’s report. Autobiographies are telling tales. They deliberately focus on the past, much as do conversations of older people. The biggest challenge during the anchor run of life from my experience is to be glad for the present, retain optimism for the future, and be ready for death and its aftermath.
Whatever period in my life I was in, I thought at the time that “it” was probably the hardest part of life. It comes as no surprise, therefore, for me to conclude the same for my anchor run. In many respects, all of life is preparation for its last years.
- Wisdom is needed to share with younger ones who sometimes seek it.
- Patience is needed to bear health issues that multiply in number and severity.
- Financial stewardship of resources shifts its focus from gathering, saving, and investing, to preserving, using, and dispensing without a known timetable of need.
- New friendships are harder to come by, but all the more necessary because old friends pass away.
- Being alone and forgotten are latent fears that can grow into monsters.
The Old Testament in the Bible recounts again and again the stories of men and women who lived their life, died, and were joined with their ancestors. I have observed that reality in my own life. No one is spared -- even preachers, famous actors, wealthy people, American presidents, relatives, and friends. So it will be for me, and you.
My desire is not to dwell on this life cycle as a negative. Rather, I want to remain mindful that, while I yet live, my purpose is to embrace to the fullest extent possible the life that God has given me! I believe that will honor Him most! My desire is to endure the rough edges of the closing chapters of my life without too much negativity, be received by grace into the hereafter with forgiving, open, and joyful arms, and to hear these words, “…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” [1]
[1] Matthew 25:23, New International Version