Developmental Psychologist Eric Erikson suggested that life is a series of 8 interior developmental challenges that if lived well lead to maturity and a sense of fulfillment. In the final stages of life his framework called for facing the challenges of Integration vs despair. If successful life leaves us with a sense of gratitude and generativity including hope and care for future generations.
I recently completed my 73rd year around the sun and this quest for a generative worldview is front and center. Gone are the worries of raising children with now 7 grown children and stepchildren, and 8 grandchildren. I couldn’t be more proud of each of them and the adults and friends they have become. Scattered around the country it brings enormous joy and satisfaction to see and hear from them.
Similarly, career accomplishments fade into the past. They diminish in importance except for how they have helped in small ways to advance a better world. The book projects, 900 client organizations, 53 years of work, 1.5 million miles of driving, the lonely hotels, airport delays, the human and economic impacts merge into a view that I stayed the course, mistakes and all, towards a better future for others, honoring the creator God the author of life. Humbled and remade by the potter,
I look forward to a simpler future; the smiles of those I love, quiet walks, scenic road trips with my wife, visiting my children and friends, fishing, a nice meal, peaceful nights.
Some may call it “fading into the sunset.” I call it, “embracing the next sunrise”.
In college I was into music and wrote a melody to accompany these words from JRR Tolkein. Little did I know it’s music would revisit me with company and solace in these senior years. He has brought us life in abundance.
“I sit beside the fire and think
of all that I have seen
of meadow-flowers and butterflies
in summers that have been;
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
in autumns that there were,
with morning mist and silver sun
and wind upon my hair.
I sit beside the fire and think
of how the world will be
when winter comes without a spring
that I shall ever see.
For still there are so many things
that I have never seen:
in every wood in every spring
there is a different green.
I sit beside the fire and think
of people long ago
and people who will see a world
that I shall never know.
But all the while I sit and think
of times there were before,
I listen for returning feet
and voices at the door.”
J. R. R. Tolkien.