Wednesday, June 15, 2011

HOW IS GRANDDAD DOING?

The Senior who Could Lose His Citizenship.

Granddad has a problem. It is not a pretty picture.

In earlier days he had two jobs. One was to work so that the family had bread on the table. The other, he was in charge of big things like houses, cars, trips and kids’ education.

Now, his two big jobs are done. He may be left without a purpose. Being old without a purpose is both bad and dangerous. We see some granddads sweeping the driveway and tinkering with jobs that aren’t essential. This is a tragedy for a person with skills, experience and a desire to be useful.

His life is made worse by all the changes. In his old world the church, school and family worked together. Now they largely ignore each other. He is blinded by the pace of life. He is appalled at the “Me” generation that wants everything now and charges to get it.

He is particularly upset by the lack of gratitude of the younger generation. It is not just what he did for them. It is what our society has done for them. How many of the young families realize thousands of Canadians died in WWII to protect our way of life? Eastern societies revere the elderly. In Western society, they are in many ways a liability.

Nor is there an appreciation of what old age is like. Maybe they don’t want to know. For instance, old age means forgetfulness, chills in warm weather, a body that is steadily changing, lack of energy to do the ordinary things and lots more medical attention and medications.

There can be a good side to old age despite all this gloom. Here are some of granddad’s good options:

  • He can extend his skills and experience in a hobby or part time job
  • He can be part of a club: social, books, curling, golf gardening
  • He can be part of a faith community which meets, prays and serves
  • He can take up a regular exercise routine and watch his diet
  • He can study, take a course, work the internet, write papers

Hopefully his loved ones will encourage him to stay positive. They want him to be healthy and fun to be with. And, they should keep in touch to support and encourage.

We want to hear from you on this latest FAMILY CHALLENGE.

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

IS OUR FAMILY SPIRITUAL?

Despite great world-wide confusion, the family spiritual issue is quite simple:

What’s it all about? That’s the question.

With all the possible different answers, each family faces the same question.

Can you imagine parents trying to raise their children without looking at that fundamental question? Yes, because it is happening. The spiritual questions are too confusing, so let’s leave it till later when we may need it.

Can you imagine turning kids loose in this mixed up world to find their own answer to the big spiritual question? Sure we can, if we forget kids look to us to see our answers so they have somewhere to start.

At the very least, kids need to know the spiritual choices. Parents need to know and share what the big religions say about our choices. There are four big ones:

    1.  Do I want to become better?

    2.  What do I believe – God? Fate? Luck? Prayer? Goodness?

    3.  Do I have a spiritual home or group? (Can’t get there alone)

    4.  Am I here to help others?

The many millions who have followed one of the great religions have learned that spirituality requires answers to all of these big choices.

So, is my family spiritual? The answer is “Yes”, if the members are actively helping each other with the four big spiritual questions.

Have a comment to add to this FAMILY CHALLENGE? Click on the “comment” button found below and let’s hear from you!