“The second half of my life will be ice breaking up on the river, rain soaking the fields, a hand held out, a fire, and smoke going upward, always up.”
I begin this reflection on second half of life spirituality with an excerpt from Joyce Sutpen’s poem “Crossroads.” With so many poems on the topic from which to choose, I picked Sutpen’s for its evocative imagery and its outright acknowledgement that we can choose to thrive in the second half of our lives. In just a few lines, the poet describes some of the beautiful gifts we can anticipate.
In the Farmer’s Almanac, there is a list of companion plants. As the title suggests, these are plants that should be placed next to each other in the garden because they are mutually beneficial. It makes sense that as gardeners we would seek to create a growing environment that promotes healthy soil and a bountiful harvest. So why don't we apply the same principles to the soil of our soul and the garden of friendship? Here are some examples:
Layer upon layer. Trial after trial. Our lives consist of a series of events folded in upon each other. A foundation is laid. Year after year, people, places, problems and pleasures are layered. Between what might seem like disjointed incidents, a vibrant life force blends the layers producing a beautiful, fertile landscape upon which we grow.
The news of the Parkland, Florida, shooting stunned me and has left me somewhat speechless. How could this happen again in our “civilized” society? In our schools? So many young people! And teachers and staff. So much loss. So much hurt.
Since that day, I have been impressed and deeply moved by the commitment and cogent words, the poise, presence and pain of the young people who have taken to the streets and to the halls of governmental power. They are on the march and we adults had better stand up or step aside.
