Recently one of my humorous granddaughters popped a question. “So what did you Pilgrims do on the Mayflower?” Since I’m conditioned to the ribbing I get from our grandchildren, especially the girls, I burst out laughing. Their teasing makes me smile, even when I’m the target. (She was teasing…right?)
I’ve always enjoyed younger friends and have thought being around different generations was inspiring. However, this morning it prompted me to ponder the fact that having friends in the same age and stage of life is probably q very good thing. Take, for example, two conversations I had this morning with two of my Besties (both my age).
One of them used a word I’ve applied to my own situation and emotional condition lately: diminished. This feeling hit me unexpectedly when I gave my bank and credit card information to one of our sons. It’s certainly not that he’s not trustworthy; it’s just the feeling that part of my independence—or control— has been given up. I felt that some of my capability has been taken away. It’s probably part of the reason I’ve fought signing a revised will our lawyer-friend drafted about a year ago. It seems I have to face the potentiality of not being able to make decisions for myself. I prefer to live in denial to a point, yet my pragmatic side demands me to make good decisions while I have all my mental capacities functioning. Women in similar circumstances understand my feelings, and it’s comforting to know most of them share the same emotions.
To say Burt’s fall changed my perspective on lots of things is an understatement. No one of us wants to dwell on negative possibilities and I try to focus on the wondrous ways the Lord has provided everything we’ve needed and enabled us to maintain a sense of humor. To cope with all the thoughts of potential catastrophes that could occur and hence becoming overcome by anxiousness, i find a balance by reading and listening to other writers and speakers in my season of life who maintain positive outlooks, keep their strong faith, and simply find joy in the journey, as well as some humor—podcasters such as Peggy Joyce Ruth, Pam Hanes, Brenda Gantt, authors such as Jan Karon, Judith Viorst, and my all-time favorite, Peggy Rowe.
So I laugh along when the grandchildren tease me. I make up stories about the Mayflower. I let them come up with nicknames. One of them calls me Cricket. It’s okay; I call her Beetle.
The younger generations inspire me. They make me laugh. They give me hope for the future. But it’s the Spirit of the Lord that brings me ultimate peace, and it’s a huge blessing to find my people in all ages and stages of life. Some are just beginning their life’s journey and others are (a-hem) Pilgrims like me!