Reflection #48 These Later Years

Each stage of life opens
like a doorway,
and this one—perhaps the holiest—
like a precious time before me.

As later years are given,
not earned, not owed,
but placed gently in my hands
like a sacred trust.

Not measured in length,
nor guarded in fear,
but lived fully
in the presence of grace.

My task is not to resist,
but to receive,
to bless what is and
is yet to become.

with openness and courage,
depth and understanding
as others have done
who have gone before me

As I age with faith,
with courage and depth,
perhaps I will trust
that this too is holy ground.