Observations on Aging – Sunday, September 25, 1983
Autumn is returning to the Northern Hemisphere with its brilliant colors and bountiful harvests. It is the fullness of all seasons, a time when we are keenly aware of parallels between nature and our own later years.
When the autumn equinox occurs in our own lives, it would be well to remember that old age is far more than white hair and wrinkles. The true evil is not the weakening of the body, but the indifference of the soul. As we grow older, it is more the desire to act than the power to do so that is lost.
“What’s the use?” is a dangerous phrase. After having said that, the next question could be, “What’s the use of going out?” Then, “What’s the use of leaving my room?” And finally, “What’s the use of living?”
Compare that attitude to that of Pablo Casals. When he was 95, a young reporter asked him, “Mr. Casals, you are 95 years old and the greatest cellist that ever lived. Why do you still practice six hours a day? Mr. Casals answered, “Because I think I’m making progress,” That’s quite a different attitude from those who think life is over at 65.
There is also a spiritual side of aging, Life is richer for those who have developed a religious faith to help them through the stresses and trials of everyday living, People who believe in God seem to be more optimistic, They live with increasing commitment as they advance in years. Faith gives us peace and assurance, especially in later years.
In today’s world, there are many who have wandered from the path of peace, who throng the downward road and reject the wisdom from above. As Thomas A Kempis pointed out, “True peace of heart can be found only resisting the passions, not by yielding to them. There is no peace in the heart of a worldly man, who is entirely given to outward affairs; but only in a fervent, spiritual man.”1
A great spiritual leader made a similar observation; “If you have lived true to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and continue to do so, happiness will fill your soul. If you vary from it, and become conscious that you have fallen short of what you know is right, you are going to be unhappy even though you have the wealth of the world,”2
We reap what we sow. Living a virtuous life, being true to ourselves, adhering to sound principles, investing in our families—these are the things that will bring joy and happiness to us in later years, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,”3
1 Thomas A Kempis “On Control Of the Desires” The Imitation Of Christ, Penguin 1975 p 34
2 David O. McKay (LDS Conference Report, October 1963. p 3)
3 New Testament, Matthew 6:21
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September 25, 1983
Broadcast Number 2,823