BLOG
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.

A slow and silent leaning into a long grief

Discernment and the 2nd Half of Life (Part 2)

Discernment and the 2nd Half of Life (Part 1)
Authentic Spiritual Community

Sabbath As a Way of Life
Unhurrying

Retreat: Stepping Back from the Urgencies and Emergencies of Busy Lives

Ancient Monastic Advice for Modern Cross-Cultural Workers

Noticing Our Consolations and Desolations

Releasing our loyal commitments
When my wife and I moved overseas, we were honored with a commissioning service. It was the culminating seal on a season of anticipation, excitement and expressions of commitment. But in 2016, after returning to the United States, we had no similar formal event at first. We sensed something was missing, some communal event to welcome us back and safely launch us into a new season.

Making Spiritual Formation Relevant to Life-long “Mission”
The “2nd Half Collaborative” (2HC) invites experienced mission workers to an intentional 10-month journey of greater spiritual depth, safe sharing and friendship. Listen in as two 2HC “learner-disciple” participants talk about making spiritual formation the lifelong nurturing paradigm for growth and fruitfulness.

Just beneath the surface
The third station of the 2HC journey is oriented around the theme of “Noticing,” a theme emerging from the following conviction: “The universe is permeated with, bathed in, and filled with God’s presence.” It really is true that “we live and move and have our being” in God (Acts 17:28), which means that if anything is missing in a given moment, it’s not God’s presence, but simply our awareness of it.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.”

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.

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.
Awaken to 2nd-half longings
Our destination? Spiritual depth, discernment of life contributions, and friendship for flourishing and fruitfulness in the second 2nd half of life.