Both my wife and I were born in temperate regions close to the 45th parallel. Christina was born in Portland,OR, I was born in Paris, France. As such we have been used to notice the changes of the seasons. When we were in Asia, we very much appreciated the charm of the tropics but somehow missed the metamorphosing of the landscapes that comes with the passing of time. In SE. Asia, there seems to be only two seasons: hot and humid, and rainy and humid.
Since coming back to the Western part of the northern hemisphere, we take great joy at observing the changing coat of the earth. In the Spring, it wears a vibrant, almost fluorescent vivid green dress, only to leave in a flashy scarlet fiery coat in the Fall. Whereas the green of Spring reinvigorates us into a sense of rebirth after a long winter, the profound fiery colors of Fall tell us of the beauty of old age. In the Northwestern hemisphere of the world, a place where humankind are evaluated by the efficiency of their productivity, old people are often set aside, seen as inefficient and backward. This results in discouragement, depression, and a fear of old age. They say that in SE Asia, the effects of menopause are lessened because in these regions of the world old folks are appreciated, almost venerated for the wisdom that comes from having lived so many years. People there sometimes even follow the biblical injunction of rising from their sitting position at the arrival of an older person in the room. Nature teaches us this beautiful concept of how God sees the ending of our days. A fiery flame giving the beauty, the heat, and the warmth of its wisdom to all that come near it. Though some may say, “Oh, come on, I know many old people, and they are not like that. They are cranky, obnoxious, mean …!” But who knows if they are just responding to the way they are treated; trying with everything they’ve got left to keep a dignified head above the condescending waters of human prideful mockery that would otherwise swallow them.
1 Comment
Vikki
10/27/2017 07:44:34 pm
Thanks, Patrick, for the reminder to love. Shabbat peace dear heart.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
If you appreciate these articles, support their upcoming publication in a book called, "REFLECTIONS OF A FIRE CHAPLAIN"
|