Click HERE to view Rev. Richard’s guided meditation during the service.
SUMMARY OF MESSAGE:
During this week’s Wednesday evening service, Rev. Richard Maraj wrapped up our series inspired by the Eric Butterworth book, “In the Flow of Life.”
Aging can bring fears about changing appearances, declining abilities, diminished independence and death. But Rev. Richard invited us to recognize aging as a continuation of our spiritual journey, with every stage offering opportunities to deepen our wisdom, express love and discover greater meaning.
He highlighted three practices to help us embrace aging:
1) STOP RESISTING CHANGE. Much of our suffering as we age comes from resisting change and wishing life could return to the way it was. Holding tightly to former abilities, relationships or circumstances keeps us from finding peace and recognizing new possibilities. Acceptance does not mean giving up our power. It means acknowledging where we are so we can choose our next steps wisely, trusting the Higher Intelligence unfolding through life. Two practices can help: First, acknowledge what has been lost or changed and explore what we fear those changes mean for our future. Then, distinguish between what we can and cannot control, directing our energy toward what we can influence: our attitudes, choices and actions.
2) DON’T GROW OLD; GROW ONWARD. Our age does not diminish our spiritual identity or our connection with God. Bodies and responsibilities change, but our capacity for wisdom, love, creativity and service can continue expanding. Growing onward means remaining teachable and open to new experiences. Regardless of our accomplishments or disappointments, there is always more to learn, more of ourselves to discover and more good to contribute. Divine life continues expressing through us in every season.
3) LIVE TODAY WITH PURPOSE. Purpose takes shape through everyday expressions of our divine qualities. Listening, encouraging someone, caring for a loved one, volunteering or asking for help can all be meaningful spiritual acts. The size of an action does not determine its spiritual value or the blessing it brings to others. Each day, we can ask: What is my highest and best purpose? What divine quality can I embody and express? What is one thing I can do to help someone? These questions guide us toward purposeful living, reminding us that even simple acts of kindness and compassion can make a meaningful difference.