Taking our Path

"It is hard to look at old people

The lines on their face, their weathered skin

Betray the beauty once embraced

We try to deny and avoid the truth

Although a different path we may take

We share the same fate to be born, to live, to be born again"

Did you ever think about how odd of a fit we are in this world? We are the only creature that inhabits earth which can so totally dominate and control our environment. We are able to build and terra-shape our living spaces in ways unknown beyond us. If we really wanted to, we could ensure every person in the world lived a healthy, fulfilling, and safe life. It makes you wonder why we do not?

Growing old is one facet of life that seems contrary to what we see in nature. In nature we admire the majestic splendor of our mighty oaks, the beautiful century plant that raises up to the heavens prior to it's demise. In society, the elderly are managed in facilities meant to minimize the cost of patient care while trying to keep them entertained in a fishbowl environment. We do not actively try to integrate the positive affect of elderly people into the community, into our education and public service. It makes you wonder why we do not?

From time to time, I've wondered why a just and loving G-d would let suffering happen in the world. Why wouldn't he come down here and fix everything? But thinking through it, I am starting to understand. For in my life I hardly cared about the fate of the elderly, not until I started to age. And we live at a time when people will strap bombs to small children or themselves just to destroy as many people as they can in the name of religion. We have a policeman who has gone into a rage of vendetta against innocent family members. We have people who would take advantage of their friends, neighbors, and country just for the disease of greed. I could go on and on as you probably are now with savage examples of how we do terrible things to each other and this world. The point I see is our nature prevents us from being able to learn the right choice until we make or see the wrong choice.

Maybe that would be one more valuable experience the elderly could bring into service for our communities. They have made or witnessed countless mistakes that could be shared with our children, perhaps helping the next generation of people from perpetuating our mistakes. 

We have shining examples of caring and love. Michelle Obama comforting the families of the 15 year old girl shot dead in Chicago. Gabby Gifford who shows such bravery displaying her limitations and disabilities, coming from a place of distinguished position to try to force people to overcome short-term personal interest for the sake of our long-term safety in our homes and communities. George H.W. Bush for his work in support of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Katrina. My mother who quilts to raise money for those less fortunate. 

To us all that are aging, we need to take up service to our family, our friends, our community and our country. Whether it is volunteering, speaking, lending a hand, writing, singing, or working in service, we must take our place and shape the world we want to see.