Reading the final two chapters of Watson’s anthology (1951) seems to be a fitting end to this course. The focus on the fruitfulness of later years and looking toward the future resonates with me as I think about what has been learned in this course, as I look toward the rest of the program and the future of my own leadership.<\/p>\n
The story of Marcus Tullius Cicero is a reminder of the personal responsibility carried by every leader to prepare themselves for their older years. “The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessings previously secured” (Watson, 1951, p. 263) speaks of the possibilities and opportunities of old age rather than the limitations. In a culture where the elderly are often disregarded and even discarded, we must remember that the privilege of growing old brings great wisdom, experience and insight. The quote from Cicero, however, reminds us that this great harvest comes from a younger life where blessings were secured which are no longer available. As the quote from Charles Francis Potter later in the chapter says, “One must accumulate friends. One must lay up reserves of mental pleasures. One must plan for the health that is so extremely important to happiness in this period” (Watson, 1951, p. 266).<\/p>\n
As someone who has recently entered my fifth decade, I find myself more often thinking about the future decades I hope to have. My focus is on leading effectively in my 40’s while also trusting I will have many more years as a husband, father, friend, and, God willing, a grandfather. Keeping this perspective\u00a0helps me to remember that everything I spend my time on this year will have an impact next year and next decade. How I invest my time this year will have a harvest next year and in the next decade. My hope and my prayer is that my older years are some of the most fruitful, enjoyable and beneficial years of my life for myself, for my family, and for those around me who I have the privilege to lead and serve.<\/p>\n
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Reference
\n<\/b>Watson, L.E. (1951).\u00a0Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Reading the final two chapters of Watson’s anthology (1951) seems to be a fitting end to this course. The focus on the fruitfulness of later years and looking toward the future resonates with me as I think about what has been learned in this course, as I look toward the rest of the program and … <\/p>\n