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For the second half of life

Learnings, stories, and thoughtful articles to reference during moments of reflection, stressful days, seasons of disorientation, and periods of discernment.

2HC 7/8/22 2HC 7/8/22

Imago Dei Confetti

Maturing into a deepening communion with God, vibrant community and sustainable mission can’t be done in generational silos. The young need the old. The old need the young. So, then, “How can we increase reciprocity and mutuality between generations so that together, young and old, we are really following Jesus?” We asked Victoria, a millennial, this question.

Jamey Lewis 6/24/22 Jamey Lewis 6/24/22

Belonging and “at-homeness”

The words “belonging” and “at-homeness” are so important to me. My experience with mission at first was being drawn to a compelling call and vision. I followed the strong voices of others – mission leaders and visionaries. But inside I was mostly hollow. I am not sure I even knew myself, let alone God.

2HC 6/10/22 2HC 6/10/22

Reflections on my Journey: From “Rescuer” to “Beloved”

I’ve always loved solving problems. There is nothing more satisfying to me than feeling prepared and capable and ready to fix any situation that might arise. I also love the idea that I can change the world, that I can accomplish great things for humanity. The good feelings that come from “rescuing” somebody are addicting.

2HC 5/27/22 2HC 5/27/22

Spiritual direction and coaching

Those who join 2HC receive both monthly coaching and monthly spiritual direction. What is the difference between the two? How can they complement one another? Listen in to the following conversation between Fran (one of our spiritual directors) and Jamey (one of our coaches).

2HC 5/13/22 2HC 5/13/22

Listening to the Echoes of Your Own Heart

In one of my earliest spiritual direction sessions, my spiritual director at the time wisely said to me, “Grace, it’s not a decision that marks the end of a discernment process but a deeper integration of who you are with what you do.” This wisdom has stayed with me and continues to guide my life.

Andrew Richey 4/29/22 Andrew Richey 4/29/22

Learning from a pair of talkative bears

Our 2nd Half Collaborative home page mentions that the overall 2HC journey emphasizes several critical second-half-of-life themes, first on the list being “becoming our ‘truest’ selves.” We clarify our meaning slightly by adding that “becoming one’s truest self” involves “identifying and finding freedom from our adapted or shadow selves and living into our truest identities in God.”

Dano 4/15/22 Dano 4/15/22

Where are the elders?

On a day retreat in 2020 in my hammock I was waiting for a poem. Often I wait to receive poems that allow my heart and soul to catch up with my body, especially on retreat. I sensed a yearning that I couldn’t articulate well. A gap that I was feeling.

Ed McManness 3/31/22 Ed McManness 3/31/22

Sabbatical Surprise: A “Sneak Up on You” Moment from God

Last year, my wife and I received the delightful gift of an eight-week sabbatical. A week after taking off on a road trip from our home in Pennsylvania, we were in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I rose early one morning to catch the sun rising over the mountains. After parking my car, I found a quiet spot on a large rock at the edge of a lake. Towering mountains surrounded me. It was still dark, but the dim amber color of the soon-to-be bright orange hue painted the sky behind tall peaks.