Thursday Pilgrimage Thoughts
A Pilgrimage of Aging
My working definition of pilgrimage is “A Sacred Journey of wholeness and invitation to live, learn, listen, and linger with Jesus throughout the unique and ordinary days of my life.” In today’s post, I explore the thought of considering the aging process as a distinctive season of pilgrimage. Will you join me?
I liked this photo of an older couple soaking in the beauty of St. Andrews Botanical Garden in Scotland.
My friend Connie and I share late spring birthdays, which are only a few days apart. We’ve decided it’s a great time for double-date lunch or dinner, and our good husbands don’t argue.
A few weeks ago, Connie sent me a Facebook post about friendships between people who are growing older.(I imagine that means all of us!) No author was listed, and I slightly edited the message to read:
The older you get, the more you realize Godly friendships are vital. You don’t need a big crowd. You need a few people who will be faithful to pray with you; correct you with love; stand with you without envy; rejoice when you win; and push you closer to God’s purpose.
I thought this message was lovely and true. Despite our age, people need one another, but somehow, it feels extra important as we grow older. This is the season when we must say more goodbyes than we’d like. We become increasingly aware of life’s brevity, our own human limitations, and ponder more often the hope of heaven.
So, today, I’d like to say “Happy Birthday, Connie! In just a few days, my age will match yours!”
I hope this prayer resonates!
Pilgrimage Prayer of Aging
Dear God,
Each day I live, bring to remembrance the good gifts
I was given in the past and continue to receive each day.
Remind me to be grateful for every breath I am privileged to take,
For every moment I can share with those I love.
May I listen attentively, linger longer in prayer,
Forgive quickly, despair slowly, learn eagerly.
Thank You for the promise that You will never leave nor forsake me!
Lord, I desire Your blessing in my life and in the lives of those I love.
May I never forget that You bless those whose strength is in you,
And whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)
Amen
In closing today, I’d like to share a few more photos of our recent vacation time and pilgrimage to Ireland, Scotland, and the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne.
Our much younger friends and fellow pilgrims, Peter and Christine, spent the day with us exploring the Scottish countryside, Perth, and St. Andrews. The Botanical Gardens were lovely on a picture-perfect Sunday.
The lush green Scottish countryside with its very narrow roads.
One of my favorite stops during our recent trip was exploring the fascinating ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral in Scotland.
Ancient cemeteries such as these at St. Andrew’s Cathedral fascinate me and remind me that while our human life is finite, God’s eternal love is infinite.
Blessings on the journey!
