I am reading The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister. The subtitle points me to a direction: Growing Older Gracefully.
Well, I am growing older. I don’t mind. It beats the alternative.
I have asked the publisher for permission to quote sentences here and there so I could reflect on them with you. I haven’t heard back yet. Let me simply say that her insights about aging, and the advantages of being older, stab with almost blinding clarity at time. Other insights abound.
I quote Ms. Chittister: “We talk about teaching our childrento be successful, but we really mean that we teach them to be competitive.” (Page 114)
I mull that over, and mostly agree with it. Even when we teach them “good work habits” like being on time, delivering a bit more than is required, maintaining pleasant relationships with coworkers and customers, aren’t we really teaching that if you do that a bit better than most employees you will be promoted more quickly, or at least keep your job when others are being laid off?
What do you think? Sign in, and let me know.
