One writing that has given me great comfort is the “Desiderata” or roughly translated, “Desired Things” (Max Ehrmann, 1872-1945).  A prose poem, Desiderata was written in 1927; Max Ehrmann in 1933 sent out Christmas cards that included the text of Desiderata.  During WWII, an Army psychiatrist sent out about 1,000 copies of “The Desiderata” to soldiers under his care- in particular, the advice on “graceful aging”.

“Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.”

Every age in our lives has its own charm and beauty – from the day we are born when all things are mysterious and new, to the day when we return to our Lord, in whom we finally will find peace.  The Desiderata teaches us to learn from the experience and the richness of time as it comes to past.   The best way to live life is to believe and discover that the best is yet to be.   Happiness also means that  we must learn to let go the things of the past … especially things that youth provides but time has taken away to give way to a whole new beginning in the next chapter.

To be happy as one gracefully accepts the passing of the years, one must continue to build and nurture our spiritual self.   Time and nature may weaken the body, but hope and nurture can strengthen the spirit.  As with any journey, there will be bumps along the road.  While the material self can help smooth the journey of life, it is the spiritual strength that is called to the test when misfortune really strikes.  Those who have nurtured this spiritual shield will find the strength to always seek beauty and grace in the every age.

As we travel further down the road of life, we tend to carry the baggage of our past and worry about the years that lie ahead with us.  Loneliness and fatigue can take a big toll on our spirit.  Free yourself from these fears and take the time to appreciate the present.  Stop to smell the roses and listen to the birds sing.  Treasure the friends and family you have today – and more importantly, the hours and minutes you spend with them.  True companionship will be your answer to your fears and dark imaginings. 

Live each day with the belief that the next day will be a better day, and that the best is yet to be.  And we trust this always in the hands of our Lord and Maker.