Do you remember what it was like in fourth grade? I do. I loved Miss Baylor’s classroom at Fruitdale Elementary School in Wheatridge, Colorado. She was a feisty teacher with a southern accent and a unique ability to make learning fun. For me it was a time characterized by new discoveries, lots of creativity and a ton of play.
One factor that contributed to my heightened sense of discovery was being diagnosed as significantly nearsighted and prescribed for eyeglasses. Before I was screened at school and sent to an eye doctor, I thought everyone saw the world fuzzy and nondescript like I did. I will never forget the day I put on my white glitter framed glasses. Suddenly trees had distinct leaves! The billboards had clear pictures and actual words. I could see what was written on the blackboard. The world around me was breathtaking.
Turning 60 this year is like that for me. Some things are getting distinctly clearer. I’m determining what’s most important and what are my priorities. Granted, some things once perceived as “black and white” are a little grayer and a lot less certain. But like refracted glass clarified my vision in fourth grade, time and experience are illuminating faith and love to be pre-eminent in importance.
“The second half of life is a lot like fourth grade,” a noted aging specialist once said. Discovering that truth to me is part of being “re-ignited”! My next two entries will explore how creativity and play are part of the analogy, and critical components of Re-Ignite. Stay tuned.
Written by Leona Bergstrom
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]