56 / 366
Aging and Physical Challenges
the second half of his life. He lived to be 86.
Those last three years he'd stare back at me
from a place I never want to go. Mom lived into
her 80th year. I remember her over the years
as our family's prime provider and caregiver.
She remained alert and active nearly to the
end.
Two people, both beloved by us six
children. One rusted out, and eventually he
checked out. The other stayed tuned in and
connected until she physically wore out
completely. What shall we learn from this?
Shall we give up on life when life seems to be
giving up on us? Nay.
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived,
gives us this perspective, as it is recorded in
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-7:
To every thing there is
a
season,
and
a
time to every purpose under the
heaven
...
A time to be born, and
a
time
to die;
a
time to plant, and
a
time to
pluck up that which is planted
...
A time
to kill, and
a
time to heal;
a
time to
break down, and
a
time to build up
...
A
time to weep, and
a
time to laugh;
a
time to mourn, and
a·
time to dance
...
A
time to cast away stones, and
a
time to
gather stones together;
a
time to
embrace, and
a
time to refrain from
embracing
...
A time to get, and
a
time
40