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October 14th.
2009
A VIEW FROM 50
I had heard rumor that when you turn the tender young age of 50 you
would be sent the gold standard of the “golden years” - an AARP card.
So, I took it in stride when mine arrived. However, as I continued
through the daily mail I was not prepared to read from another
congregation’s newsletter that, The Senior Group – 50 and over – would
be meeting for cards on Tuesday at 10:00 AM. The sting of this was
followed when I received some feedback after complaining about the nerve
of this church, “No, that’s just for those successful enough to have
retired by 50!”
In all seriousness, the view from 50 looks great. With the abundance of
blessings of a strong faith, wonderful family, great friends, good
health and lots of humor, I have very little margin for complaining.
One of my longest and dearest mentors turned 75 last week. Since his
retirement at the age of 70 he has traveled the world with his wife,
helped re-energize struggling non-profits and he was on his way for a
three month hike through the Southwest. “Brian, I don’t know what 75 is
supposed to feel like. But I just am committed to living a healthy life:
mind, body and soul, and to enjoy each day and each person.”
As I got off the phone with my friend I reflected on one of the reasons
50 feels so good to me: it’s because of friends like him. Some of my
best friends are in their mid-twenties and some are 75 years old or
older – and then there are those goofy girls I get to coach in
basketball. Their chronological age is not a factor in our relationship.
Rather, it is their attitude, their energy, their depth of faith and
reflection and, without question, their sense of humor.
All those things that society continues to perpetuate about people
judging you by the people you keep company with would seriously question
many of those who are most important in my life. At 50, what society
suggests is not important to me. The cross section and rainbow of people
in my life has made me less judgmental and has helped me to do my best
to embrace my baptismal vows to respect the dignity of every human being
and to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as
yourself.
The Prior boys have teased me about my impending mid-life crises and are
awaiting the arrival of the new red convertible. The good news is that
they know how blessed I feel. They know this strong sense of blessing
has nothing to do with fast cars or anything of the sort. They are
acutely aware that what is absolutely most important in life is those
you get to share the journey with…regardless how long one has been
traveling.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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