David Brooks begins his recent New York Times article, “The Life Report,” by asking readers over the age of 70 to consider sharing a reflection about their life so far. He then shares wisdom from the Yale class of 1942. On the occasion of their 50th reunion members of the class wrote short autobiographical reflections. Brooks summarizes:
The most common lament in this collection is from people who worked at the same company all their lives and now realize how boring they must seem. These people passively let their lives happen to them . . . Others regret the risk not taken . . . Others wish they had had more intellectual curiosity, or that they weren’t so lazy, or that they had not gotten married so young . . . Looking back, many were amazed by the role that chance played in their lives . . .
The most exciting essays were written by the energetic, restless people, who took their lives off in new directions midcourse . . . Nobody regretted the life changes they made, even when they failed.
. . . An amazing number cherished their marriages . . . And, for almost all, family and friends mattered most.
So What?
In 2007, I accepted a call to a large mainline congregation comprised primarily of retirees. During my years there I learned a great deal from those in their 70s, 80s and 90s. Most of these retirees were quite successful in their chosen fields of endeavor. As I recall the stories that were shared with me, I find almost all fit the pattern of the Yale class of ’42.
- If you are under the age of 65, how do these stories challenge you as you consider your future?
- If you are over the age of 65, does your life story resonate with the trends noted here?