mid-to-late-life crises

A lot of my time (not all) through the course of today has been spent with folk pretty much my own age.

They're not exactly having a mid-life crisis, or even a mid-to-late-life crisis; but they are getting conscious of the passing years and the fact that they're really now closer the end than the start of their earthly lives.

Without getting too morbid.

It's a case of facing facts. When you get to be pushing 60 or more, there's a lot of life behind you, and the aches and pains and illnesses which come with advancing years begin to be more of an issue.

The thought of what happens when most of your independence maybe goes, and you become reliant on the help of folk around you - the thought of all that looms just that little bit larger on the horizon of your thinking.

I've been with folk who're struggling with issues like that today. I've been with a couple, way out of town, who, now in their sixties, are struggling with serious cancer.

What does the future hold?

This is the essence of pastoral work. What does the future hold and how are you meant to be viewing that future?

Where do you go from here?

Well, here are five basic gospel principles from which to start.

1. This life is not all there is.

2. God's glory, not our ease, is what we are made for.

3. We follow a crucified Saviour: discipleship is often costly and sore.

4. We are guaranteed his presence with us and his Spirit in us and his working through us.

5. The truest, fullest healing takes place on the day of resurrection.

That doesn't say all there is to be said. But it does provide the appropriate sort of framework for our thinking.