On the Minister’s Mind
by Rev. Laine Morgan
Many years ago, I proclaimed myself a “lifelong learner” because I was determined to continue to grow and expand throughout my whole life. Since I have turned the corner of age 59 and am headed to the big 6-0, I am more steadfast in my decision than ever.
As you may know, my wife retired last month. In preparation for that big day coming, we started a list a few years ago of what we may want to do with our time once she was no longer working. We put many things on that list that surprised me, but what did not surprise me was all the travel, retreats, classes, and adventures that would stretch us as we learned more about the world, people and ourselves.
Our recent trip to Africa was the beginning of this retirement learning curriculum! As we sort through our memories, we are realizing how much knowledge we gained in those 12 days. We learned about the circle of life and the truth of oneness. We learned about new cultures and ways of living. We discovered new things about our relationship and about ourselves as individuals too. We picked up new strategies for traveling internationally and traveling with friends. It was a rich experience!
American nun and theologian, Joan Chittister, wrote about this very topic. She said – “Growth in old age requires the curiosity of a five-year-old and the confidence of a teenager. There is nothing we can’t do if we want to do it.”
Five-year-olds and teenagers have something that we tell ourselves that we don’t have as much of as we grow old – energy. While we may not be able to climb monkey bars like a kindergarten child, nor party until the wee hours like a teenager, we can continue to hold a curious mind and confidently explore the world with the best of them!
I refuse to let the number of candles on my birthday cake dictate what I will and will not do as I continue my quest to be learning for my entire life! There is just so much I still don’t know, and so much I want to discover.
Spirituality led me to an understanding that I am an infinite being existing on this physical plane to be human to learn more about myself and the Universe. Ernest Holmes encouraged me to “stay open at the top.” That means to keep learning and never thinking I know it all. Now, about those monkey bars…..