Swing into Fall … of life

The gray cloud layer is releasing the first rain of Fall 2023. I can hear the faint metallic tapping of droplets as they hit the eaves. It’s a peaceful sound, a soothing Amen to the activities that have defined another summer. Last Monday, I pulled into the driveway on my Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro after completing a 2,722 mile ride to see my beloved college roommate Don Shrumm and his wife Julie. They welcomed me into their beautiful home nestled on 2 wooded acres amongst multiple parks at over 8,000 feet just outside the small town of Conifer, CO. The ride had taken me nearly three days, crossing vast, open expanses of high desert in Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming. The visit came at a good time. I am two plus years into retirement, and, while Don and Julie are both still working, I had a deep desire to reconnect, take stock and gain some perspective on this next phase of life. What did I learn?

Although we talked about the life events that shaped us over the past four decades, the conversations were primarily forward looking. I came to see that rather than rehashing mistakes, brooding over resentments or mulling guilt, the agenda for 64+ is to embrace love and life. “Generativity” is what Don called it–a choice to eschew the isolation that can grow from choices that separate us from others, limit our options and give in to frailty. Learning, loving, adventuring, coupled with self-acceptance and good will toward others will provide an elasticity of spirit even if the muscles weaken and the strength ebbs.

For Don these kinds of choices involve extending a vibrant ministry through interim pastor positions and continuing to hone his talents and skills in the production of digital content (e.g., blogs, music, online meditations, etc.). For me, spending time with Janet, traveling, planning more motorcycles journeys, delighting in the growth and accomplishments of the kids and grand kiddos … these are the life-giving investments of my time and energy. It became even more clear to me on my recent trip that the gift of grand children is not to be taken for granted, nor squandered. It is a privilege and a joy that many people will not get to experience. It seems that children frequently marry later or not at all these days, and, once married, may delay child bearing well into their parent’s dotage. Janet and I are fortunate to be involved with these precious beings while we are relatively young and able to be present for birthdays, graduations, special vacations, etc.

So, as the summer comes to a close, and we swing into autumn, I am grateful for the return of rain that puts out fires, cleanses the air and sinks deep into the soil. I am aware that it’s also a metaphor for the refreshing renewal of a trip that I am profoundly grateful to have made just before the return of Fall.