Recently, one of my peer groups pointed out a book by Sr Joan Chittister, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully. We agreed to review it and share our thoughts on how it might inform our work in the spiritual companionship of older people.
As someone who is rapidly drifting into the “older” category myself and who has one’s own thoughts on this matter, I find myself keen to engage in dialogue with this work. I don’t think I’ll be disappointed.
Joan Chittister is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker, who has campaigned vigorously for women’s rights, particularly women’s ordination. While these matters have thrust her into the limelight, her scholarly leadership and spiritual breadth cover a wide theological and spiritual landscape.
While many of us become increasingly aware of the physical aspects of ageing, Chittister’s work seeks to address the mental and spiritual attitudes we bring to this experience and how they can contribute to our senses of either deterioration or transformation. She poses that our latter years can be “gift” rather than “burden”. As a natural glass-half-full person, I resonate with the realistic optimism that this phrase suggests.
There are no less than forty very tight and concise themes with practical choices to acknowledge the burden and gift of each. How do I reflect on regret? What meaning remains? How do I respond to ageism? Chichester brings a sobering, compassionate, yet feisty challenge to each.
I look forward to engaging with and writing my own responses to the many headings that Chichester explores.
An obligatory haiku
Ageing’s bold purpose
Uncovering burning lamp
That enlightens all.
Wondering Pilgrim 