'Soon we shall be in eternity, and then we shall see how very petty are the things of this earth....
When we were small children, how carefully we collected pieces of wood, stone and such to build huts, and if someone knocked them down we cried.. but now we understand how unimportant these things were. We will feel the same way one day in heaven, when we see that all our preoccupations in this world were nothing but childish concerns. Be faithful to your duties, but be convinced that there is nothing more worthy or more important than eternal salvation and the perfection of your soul.'
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about this topic only this morning. Yes, as we get older we see more clearly the things that are really important. Oh how I was preoccupied and worried about such silly things when I was younger! I am sure I still have lots of things I need to let go of. I need to keep my eyes more firmly on heaven, and I do fail often. But with God's grace I am better than I used to be. In some ways getting older is very good!
The older I get, the more I find to appreciate about it. Of course, there are also the less welcome things (ailments and the like), but definitely I am seeing more of why God allows us to age. Our society doesn't see it this way, of course.... and I frankly think "they" are missing out.
DeleteThanks, Sue!
It is a long detaching from things of this world and eventually our very life. But what freedom and what joy as we gain eternity and more of Him! I keep letting go more and more and struggle in the process. Thank you Nancy for a beautiful reminder of this truth and wisdom St Francis de Sales wrote long ago. The painting is precious as are you and these wonderful postings!! God Bless...
ReplyDelete"A long detaching." Poetic - and why am I not at all surprised :)?!? I once (when I was younger) wondered aloud why God lets people get older and more feeble, rather than all of us going straight from good health to death. A friend immediately said that it is as we age when we have opportunities to let go of attachments to this world. Now that I have more such opportunities, I see exactly what he meant.
DeleteThank you so much!
I had similar thoughts to the comments already written, Nancy. Advancing age really does seem to have its perks.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing a holy death described as passing through a door from this life to the next - I guess the young just can't see the door for the useless clutter. Judging by the serenity of the elderly folk at church, it seems that old age is actually a gift. Youthful looks and robust health often come at a price, don't you think?
God bless, Nancy:)
I agree wholeheartedly, Vicky. And I love what you said about the young not being able to see the door for the useless clutter. I think of how much time I spent with and in and fascinated by that clutter! Piling it up and concentrating on it so I wouldn't have to think about that door! Yes, the perks of youth do come at a price.... some never make it beyond them. What a tragedy. And what a grace to finally look full into that door, and have even a glimpse of Who waits beyond.
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