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Assuming that the statistics one hears of the proportionate aging of all segments of the population are accurate and applicable to the various faith communities in the Lansing area, any book that thoroughly examines both aging and spirituality could become a valuable, basic reference to gaining an appreciation of the final stage of ones life. Winter Grace: Spirituality and Aging written by Kathleen Fischer, a 63 year old Seattle, Washington theologian, is that book. Published by Upper Room Books, it was used by Lansing Christian Women as a topic in one of their gatherings.
The liner notes mention that Winter Grace is a book that “Should be shared across generations”. When the statistics mentioned above are reviewed, one stating that “Nearly 50% of [United Methodist Church] membership is 60 years of age or older” justifies another comment that Winter Grace is “a spiritual feast for older persons”. It is that, but it is also puzzling, at least to this non-statistician, that 39 years could be the average age of the United States citizen. Perhaps her statement “Aging is a paradox, the unity of apparent contradictions” illustrates that statistics also unify apparent contradictions?
While few of us are quite ready to “Exit, Stage Left” at this very moment, most of us could use some guidance, theatrical or otherwise, for coping with the inevitable changes that are incurred as we continue to add years to our time here on earth.
Winter Grace is quite helpful in lifting up for praise the positive aspects of aging. For example, Dr. Fischer emphasizes, “Denying that we are growing old will stop us from turning it into a positive experience”. There are various definitions of grace, especially in answer to the question of “What are the graces of winter?” The combining of “Humor and Hope” in one whole chapter quotes G. K. Chesteron: Life is serious all the time; but living cannot be”. I will call on that thought when I am drawn to creating black humor!
So the statement “...phenomenon of a large aging population is clearly one of the most significant developments of our century” written into the introduction of Winter Grace is an indication that she is going to explore that phenomenon in great detail.
Explore it she does! Drawing on her education; she holds a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and M.S.W. with a specialization in aging from Seattle University, and continues to work with older adults in spirituality matters. Based on her multi-tasking professions of counseling, writing, teaching (she was professor of theology at Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry) and ministry, she shares more experiences in Winter Grace than most people have been able to cram into one lifetime.
For instance, since the older person has gained a past to reflect upon and can appreciate Dr. Fischers chapter on Memories, in which she explains that “How we view the past affects profoundly how we live the present”. Further, that “a major grace of the later years” is the “healing of memories”.
I recommend reading this book slowly, only a page or two at a time, because ALL of its sentences are quotable stand-alones. I also recommend a generous sharing among friends and family of the rich prose of the very talented Dr. Fischer. The conversations that result are sure to enrich.
However, if just one thought is to be carried away from Winter Grace, it is the last sentence: “Older persons are winter grace not just for themselves and for each other, but for all of us.”
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