02/07/2020
金齡信徒要留意的轉變。
Some of the key challenges facing those in the second half of life are:
~Changing family relationships. Midlife is characterized by transition, and those transitions show themselves vividly against the backdrop of family life. Some changes, such as the birth of a grandchild, are joyous and welcome. Others, such as the death of a parent, are journeys into the valley of the shadow.
~Changing networks of friends. As we move into the second half of our lives, we consider the friends we have had, the friends we lack, and the friendships we hope to form moving forward.
~The changes and challenges of aging bodies. Our culture tells us our value is tied to youth, attractiveness, sexuality, and health. Growth in bodily wisdom in midlife includes a grateful acceptance of our aging bodies’ changing beauty and limitations and a willingness to steward our bodies as we are able to nurture both self and others to the glory of God.
~Spiritual formation in the area of finances. If we are growing toward maturity, we will also grow in our desire to create a meaningful legacy that involves more than a simple financial formula.
~Nurturing emotional and spiritual health. Research on life satisfaction reveals that people across the globe are most happy in their younger years and in old age but most unhappy as they roll through their middle years, prone to depression and midlife malaise. //
Michelle Van Loon says congregations need to give more attention to the spiritual needs of those in midlife to stem their quiet exodus from church.