YOUTH - THE AGE OF DARK HAIR.... AND THEN....

Growing old.

Letting go.

Grace.

Especially during these last couple of years, I am witnessing first hand the powerful yet daunting process of aging.  The slow decline, the gradual halting...in their 80's - my parents and my parents in law. Harsh, but stark realities.

So much grace and so much letting go are needed.

Today's first reading spoke to me.

[Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8]

[Note, paragraghing/paraphrasing added to depict better clarity and understanding of the text.]

Youth

the age of dark hair...

Then

the day when those who keep the house tremble

and strong men are bowed;

when the women grind no longer at the mill,

because day is darkening at the windows
and the street doors are shut;

when the sound of the mill is faint,
when the voice of the bird is silenced,

and song notes are stilled,
when to go uphill is an ordeal

and a walk is something to dread.

Sun, light, moon, stars...
they all grow dark

Yet

the almond tree is in flower,
the grasshopper is heavy with food

and the caper bush bears its fruit.

And then

The silver thread is snapped
Dust - returns to the earth as it once came from it
And the breath - to God who gave it.

Ultimately

Vanity of vanities

All is vanity

O Lord,

Cast worry from our hearts
Shield our flesh from pain
[Ecc 11:10]

In the morning, fill us with your love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Let Your favour be upon us:
give success to the work of our hands.

[Psalm 89 (90)]