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    Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life
    Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life
    Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life
    Ebook123 pages2 hours

    Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life

    By Johann Christoph Arnold and Sean O'Malley

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    Johann Christoph Arnold, admired by such prominent spiritual and inspirational leaders as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Cardinal Dolan, Pete Seeger, and many more, offers answers to the question: Why shouldn't growing older be rewarding?

    Arnold, whose books have helped over a million readers through life's challenges, shows us the spiritual riches that age has to offer. Now in his seventies, Arnold finds himself personally facing the challenges of aging with grace.

    With a foreword by Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Rich in Years covers the significant topics facing the aging, the elderly, and their family and caregivers: accepting changes, combatting loneliness, and continuing on with purpose and hope. Going beyond mere inspiration, Arnold does not shy away from such difficult topics as coping with dementia, the prospect of dying, and enduring with dignity. Through faith and a true spirituality, he says, we can find acceptance and serenity.

    Johann Christoph Arnold knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people and their caregivers can do to make the most of the journey of aging. In this book, he shares stories of people who, in growing older, have found both peace and purpose. Praising Rich in Years, Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, writes, In simple language, Arnold gives hope-filled insights into the trials of aging for people of all ages. Pastor Arnold's book challenges those rich in years to also remain rich in faith.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPlough Publishing House
    Release dateJan 2, 2014
    ISBN9780874868036
    Author

    Johann Christoph Arnold

    Johann Christoph Arnold was an award-winning author with over two million copies of his twelve books in print in more than twenty languages. A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues. Arnold was a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities, until his death in April 2017. Johann Christoph Arnold’s books include Why Forgive?, Rich in Years, Their Name Is Today, Seeking Peace, Escape Routes, Cries from the Heart, Be Not Afraid, Why Children Matter, and Sex, God and Marriage. To learn more visit www.richinyears.com

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    Reviews for Rich in Years

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    31 ratings19 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I asked for this book and received it from Early Readers Group of Library Thing. I am always pleased to get one of these books to read and review. I asked for this particular book because I am getting Rich in Years. At 67 a lot has changed in my life and the life of my wife of 45 years who also is my best friend. Rich in Years by Johann Arnold spoke in simple terms and in each chapter caused me to stop and think where I came from and how I got there. Chapter 2 for example, Accepting Change. My body is starting to break down. Hearing: have 2 hearing aids, Teeth: need a plate, Eyes: back to back cataract surgeries in the next couple of weeks. I have to accept the physical changes and this chapter addresses this.Chapter 3 Combating Loneliness. With all three daughters working in Minneapolis, Seattle, Irvine Ca. and us living in Florida, and as close as we all are, loneliness can take its toll. I brought these two chapters up because I feel the book can be read by young, middle, and elderly people with the idea that we are all in this together. Finally Mr. Arnolds reliance on God and what should also be our reliance on God or a Higher Power is what carries us through.
    • 4/5
      In Rich in Years, pastor Johann Arnold weaves together numerous stories and reflections on the challenges, blessings, and opportunities that may come as one begins approaching the end of life.He covers a range of topics, from finding meaningful activity and combating lonliness to saying goodbye and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation in one's last days. I feel blessed to have learned from his wisdom about pursuing a life of service at any age as a follower of Jesus.
    • 4/5
      For the past six years, I've been primary caregiver for my parents. In the last two years, two of my younger brothers have died. Life can be heavy, crushing dreams and piling on fear. How can I fight off the creeping feelings of dread? By reading positive, uplifting books such as Rich in Years by Johann Christoph Arnold. The author writes clearly, directly and earnestly to encourage people of faith. He promotes a view of advanced age as a time of spiritual wisdom which deserves far more respect than the elderly are currently given. His stories are plain and simple indeed. Arnold, a pastor in the Bruderhof Christian Movement -- something of a cross between Amish life and hippie commune -- offers reasonable advice. Accept changes and limitations that come with age; avoid isolation which leads to loneliness; find purpose in serving others; hold tightly to your Faith. This book provides a vision for how I would like to meet the coming years. It cannot tell me specifically what to do in a step by step fashion, but it points in a direction that makes sense. Overall, a positive and encouraging collection of grace-filled advice illustrated by personal life stories.
    • 4/5
      This is a nice little book and nicely written. The advice for how to make the most of your twilight years is sound. It would make a very nice gift book for your Christian friends or family who are approaching retirement. Though the advice and shared wisdom can be generalized, its emphasis is strongly for the practicing Christian. I think any strong Christian would appreciate it. For a more general outlook, I recommend Miller & Schachter-Shalomi From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older. It's been around for a number of years, and its depth and wisdom make it fine reading for someone of any (or no) faith and for people as young as 40 who are looking for meaning as life marches on (and also for younger people interested in the topic of aging).
    • 3/5
      I am completely uncertain how this title appeared on my book shelf as I am middle-aged, rather than elderly, but since it was there, I read it anyway. The book has a peaceful, encouraging undertone that gently combines spirituality/ Christianity with the process of aging and letting go. Some of the quotes are lovely, and since I have a deep belief in God, I enjoyed it. For someone not of a positive nature, or not a believer in the Almighty, may find the message too swarmy and overbearing. Aging should not be something to be feared, but rather something to embrace with all it's ups and downs.
    • 4/5
      I found this book to be readable and engaging, written by someone who evidently has wide experience walking with others through the challenges of aging, having also experienced them in his own life. The points made are well illustrated by real life examples. Writing from a Christian perspective Arnold highlights ways in which old age can be a time of fruitfulness even in the face of, and in some ways because of, more limited personal resources and capabilities. This would be a useful book for those pastoring older people, and perhaps as a discussion starter for carers groups or fellowship groups for older people.
    • 4/5
      I think perhaps I read this book from a different perspective than the intended audience. At 52, I am looking ahead to the next phase of my life, and I was hoping for some encouragement because I find the future looking rather bleak at times. This wasn't the book I needed to read. It really pointed out to me all the problems I will be facing as I grow older, and that wasn't what I was hoping for! If were in my 70s or 80s, however, I would have perhaps found this inspiring. The intention is good, but for me, it fell short.
    • 5/5
      So many people treat the elderly as a burden, an inconvenience or even as non-productive members of society. In this book, Christoph Arnold, through the use of stories, allows the reader to hear the voices of those who have reached this stage of life. We hear what they want, what they fear and how they wish to be treated. A large part of our society treats the elderly just as we treat our young, by shipping them off so someone else can take care of them. Like so many of Mr. Arnold's books he takes the reader on a journey with this journey ending with death, something we all will face.This book is not just for the old, it is for everyone. It reminds us all of what is important. Live each day, love one another and serve mankind.
    • 3/5
      This book is about growing old. A time that can be a great worry, but that Arnold wants to see as a blessing, and even an adventure.The question posed in the forward by Rolland G Smith, is "How can we create connections between generations when the young and old no longer live in the same place?" This is a pertinent question for our time. It is reinforced by the statement in the introduction, "The surest way to stay safely on the path is to help one another". This pretty much sets the tone.The book is unashamedly underpinned by faith and the God who watches our every step. To a degree, the book is a collection of anecdotes from others that he recounts, and adds commentary.Much of it is helpful good sense, but to be honest I found it trite and simplistic, often thinking to myself, if only it were that simple. This increased as I read through the book, especially in the parts about dementia. The chapters on making peace and saying goodbye are more helpful, and went some way to redeeming the book for me.Inevitably, much of the book is about dealing with change - and that applies to all situations, not just old age, and so has something to offer many of us.
    • 5/5
      Rich in Years, Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life is another wonderful book from Plough Publishing. Getting older is not an easy process, and we often confront fear, disappointment, and physical and mental changes. The author uses life experiences and the experiences of others to offer advice and encouragement as we face some of these life changes. I would say this book is primarily for Christians, and although I didn’t agree with every doctrinal statement in this book, I appreciated the author’s outlook on later years and the ability to use our talents or even find new ones. There was not doubt that his focus was on our spiritual service.You may think this book is just for old people, but I would also encourage younger people to read it too. You will gain great insight into the thoughts of your parents or grandparents, and just may learn something to do now to prepare for the day when you walk where they are. For those of us having reached these years, it can be a source of great encouragement and provide lessons for pressing on to make the time we have left a life of service and devotion.
    • 4/5
      This is a delightfully accessible book about a very serious topic: finding peace and purpose in one’s later years, particularly when in failing health or suffering the loss of loved ones. The author is Johann Christoph Arnold, who led the Bruderhof in the United States for almost 20 years and is currently a senior pastor in the movement. The Bruderhof are Christian communities with branches throughout the world, founded by the author’s grandfather in Germany in 1920.The key message of the author is put one’s trust in Jesus as one ages: “he will stand by our side when times of testing come.” The book is loosely organized into 11 chapters, each dealing with a relevant theme, such as accepting changes, finding purpose and peace, and saying goodbye. The chapters are full of real-life stories about individuals known to the author and who provide examples of the theme being discussed in the chapter. The author also provides useful quotes from scripture and Christian thinkers ranging from John Bunyan to Pope Benedict XVI. Particularly helpful were the chapters on living with dementia and beginning anew. The latter chapter, “Beginning Anew,” is the last chapter in the book, but is a beautiful exposition of the key message of the book, and is worth reading first, before diving into any of the particular chapters.I enjoyed reading this book very much, even though I am somewhat younger than the intended audience. The prose is well done and the book is full of practical, helpful advice for those facing issues relating to aging. I found most of the examples offered by the author to be effective witnesses to the virtues under consideration. I think that this book could be read by anyone, regardless of age, who is concerned about the inevitable changes brought by longer life or illness. I recommend it for all individuals who are caring (or will be caring) for family members or loved ones – I wish that I had read it before my mother became incapacitated and died in a nursing home.There are some challenges to reading the book. The stories can be emotionally or informationally overwhelming if you read the book like any other, and the chapters can begin to blend together; I recommend reading it one chapter at a time, and with a partner for emotional support. These are hard issues! It is also important to realize that this book is written from an explicitly Christian perspective. It is still very informative and much of the advice is applicable to individuals of any (or no) religious belief, but it might be shocking for the recipient if you were to buy this book for someone who is antagonistic to religion. Recommended!
    • 3/5
      I received this book as a giveaway from “Library Thing” and being a giveaway I am reviewing the book so that perhaps a few others might see it and the implications that it brings with it in a slightly different light than most of the reviews that I have read.I asked for the book for two reasons: 1) I am just a couple of years younger than the author and I was quite interested in what he had/has to say to us “older folk”; and 2) the description of the book indicated that it had been written from a Christian perspective. Being a Christian for over fifty years and a pastor and itinerant preacher for many of those years I was extremely interested in reading another Christian’s perspective on how he thinks we are to view these final years of our lives here on earth.When I received the book I made a cursory examination of the many reviews that appear inside the front cover. All very glowing in their many words of commendation. But then one would not expect otherwise. I then spent some time researching the organization that Johann Arnold and his wife are a part of. It soon became apparent that our individual theologies are quite different. Arnold is from an Anabaptist background while I am a very conservative, five point Calvinist. This does not mean that we do not have several of the fundamentals of the faith in common, but it does mean that our individual approaches to Scripture have at times quite a variance. At times he also uses well known books to describe some things that the books were not meant to convey.For example, in his introduction Arnold describes Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” as a comparison of life to a long journey. In a sense this is true, but the reality of this classic book has to do with a Christian’s spiritual journey as Pilgrim wends his way through that which every Christian must encounter as he lives his life for Jesus Christ. Now I’m not saying that Arnold does a disservice to the text, only that he omits the fact that Pilgrim is a Christian, not just any ordinary man seeking to do his best despite the difficulties that befall him.My greatest fault with this book has to do with the fact that it is never really made clear who our author is addressing. There are times when it appears that he is speaking of and to Christians, but he’s doing so in a very humanistic way. For example, in his first chapter on “Growing Older”, he states:“…death is the final enemy, and we must fight it to the endwith all life’s vigour,…”Now if this being addressed to non-Christians there is something of merit in what he says, but he concludes:“…yet we know that Christ has conquered death, so we neednot fear it.”We cannot address non-believers with these latter words unless the Spirit of GOD has brought such ones to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the next paragraph Arnold states:“When we find the peace of Jesus, it will more than replace thethings we used to do for personal satisfaction.”Along with several other similar statements, this one was quite disturbing for the simple reason that no where does Arnold lay down for us from the Word of GOD how the “…peace of Jesus…” may be found. In point of fact Scripture throughout the book was used as an addendum to our author’s take on what it means to be a Christian.It was just about at this juncture that I decided that it might be a good idea to discover what “being a Christian” means to a man of Arnold’s persuasion. The Anabaptist concept of Soteriology [Salvation] is quite different from that which is understood and practiced amongst the large body of Christendom at large. From one of their own web pages this is what we find in terms of what they believe:“That humans are born in sin, is of course readily admitted; but this birth does not mean a sort of fate which cannot be overcome or escaped. The basic presupposition of Anabaptist thought is the existential fact of inner rebirth, the total change of mind. Only individuals of this type could (and would) ever join the Anabaptist brotherhoods; those who passively despaired of any essential change of life could never understand the Anabaptists both in their everyday life and in their stand at trials. Faith meant to them more than merely a "creedal assent," it meant rather an experience leading to decision and commitment.”Anabaptists believe that one’s salvation is not dependent solely on the grace of GOD, but rather in terms of how one obeys Christ in the warp and woof of his every day life. The salvation of the Reformation is not that which Anabaptists live by, rather the inner birth comes through a decision to live by all that Christ specifies should be a Christian life.Hence we come to Arnold’s basic pretext in putting this book together. If men only abide by certain texts within Scripture then when they come to the end of their lives, at no matter what age, then everything should be fine.In fact he even puts this down in a very pragmatic statement, to wit:“Even with our physical and mental abilities curtailed, we havemany opportunities to work for humanity and for GOD’s kingdomon earth by living out the two main commandments of Jesus:‘Love the Lord your GOD with all your heart andwith all your soul and with all your mind’, and ‘Loveyour neighbor as yourself’ [Matt 32:17-39]”One of the things that has always bothered me when listening to others who take things out of Scriptural context, and this Arnold does on a number of occasions. This is one outstanding example:“What could be more wonderful than breaking bread with others?As Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name,there am I with them.’ [Matt. 18:20]”He’s trying to convey the idea of the wonderful nature of community, and to do so he’s uses a text that has nothing to do with community, but rather was stated by our Lord in the context of providing discipline within the church.Oftentimes throughout this little volume, Arnold recounts the lives of certain individuals who have carried on their lives with certain devastating results. One such account about a man named Joshua who through a life lived, it would appear, very selfishly, did find some redemption as his end drew near. Making peace with many members of his family and friends he began to involve himself in a number of activities that centred around others. He was then diagnosed with cancer which he bore well with little or no complaint. Many people including children flocked to visit him, and he was very thankful for all that they did. As the man’s life drew to a close, Arnold recounts, “…thankfulness rather than bitterness, radiated from his face.” And the concluding statement, “He was a man at peace with his Maker.” That’s all.The idea being conveyed here is simple, live out the finality of your life and GOD will be pleased to accept you. This is not Scriptural and hence it is not true. At the end or our lives, if we have not already done so through the bulk of it, men need to find themselves at the foot of Calvary pleading for forgiveness in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace comes through no other means.Now, lest anyone think that I am trying to bad mouth this book because it does not fit into my theological agenda, that is not true. Apart from his more obvious deviations from Scriptural truth, he does have a number of good things that need our attention. I cannot in this review give them all, but one for me stands out and that pertains to his stand on either suicide or euthanasia. In this area he is right on and for that I salute him. And herein we find a very telling paragraph:“Yet even if compassion is the motivation, the taking of anyhuman life is wrong. GOD created each of us ‘in the image ofGOD’. Since he gave us life, only he has the right to end it.Suicide is a form of rebellion against GOD, a statement that says, ‘I am beyond hope. My problem is too big for even GODto handle’. Suicide denies that GOD’s grace is greater than ourweakness.”To that I can only say, Amen.So if you are strong in your faith in Christ and are seeking, beyond any type of evangelistic text to read some good stuff on growing old, then I would heartily recommend this small book. If you are seeking rather a solid text on growing old as a child of the King, apart from Scripture itself, may I respectfully suggest you look elsewhere.
    • 4/5
      Those of us past 70 often question our continued usefulness to our family and to society. We also wonder if we will be able to handle our inevitable physical and mental deterioration and ultimate death with grace and dignity. Johann Christoph Arnold, a senior pastor in the Bruderhof community in upstate New York, addresses these concerns from a Christian perspective in his latest book, Rich in Years.The book draws on interviews conducted by Arnold and his wife, Verena, with parishioners and other close associates whose faith helped them find inner peace after struggling with either their own health problems or with the suffering and death of loved ones. Their stories are supplemented by Arnold’s personal experiences in dealing with his own aging difficulties. Among the key lessons covered in the book are the importance of gracefully accepting our limitations and our dependence on others as we grow older and the need to forgive others and ourselves while we are still able. Another chapter suggests ways that caregivers can treasure their moments with loved ones living with dementia despite the obvious difficulties.One cannot help but be inspired by the strong, enabling faith evinced by Arnold and by the stories related in this book. In his last chapter Arnold speaks of the peace that can come from our “living before eternity,” as we pursue the purpose of our earthly life with the assurance that its end is not the last word. The book is recommended for church libraries and for all who yearn to find peace and purpose in old age
    • 4/5
      First, a little background … I grew up living in a house with several elderly relatives who, in turn, spent time with their elderly friends who visited us. Ever since I was a wee lass I have found enjoyment, rather than fear or dread, in the companionship of older people – mostly because I was entertained by, and learned so much from, stories told to me about life and death in times before I was born. Those stories influenced my own interpretations regarding life and death. I usually find myself surprised by how many people become unsettled with a discussion of death – almost as if some of us here on earth simply just might not die. I believe we’ll all die when our time comes; I never quite understood those who want to hush-hush talk of death. I am not a particularly religious person, however I believe we each have a soul or spirit which will exist in an afterlife. I also believe in reincarnation.That said about my own background, I enjoyed this book because it offers some thought-provoking stories that encourage its reader to find meaningful ways to get the most out of the life that's still to be lived, especially as one grows older and more infirm. In particular, I liked the idea of establishing friendships with people of many different age groups, and discovering creative ways to do so. In addition, I understood the advice for embracing a relative or close friend with dementia or with a debilitating physical condition. It is not easy to do, but makes sense to me to accept a person for who and what they are at any given moment, mentally and physically -- and accept ourselves as our own abilities change, as we strive to accept others. Many of the stories brought back memories of my own relatives and friends who have died, while the book provided a refreshing perspective for alternate ways to approach and embrace the future.I found the book to be a gentle, insightful, and comforting read.
    • 5/5
      “Rich in Years” is not just another self-help book about growing older. Let’s face it, nobody likes to talk much about death, and the younger among us rarely even think about it…. or try not to anyway! Christoph Arnold’s book is not just about the end of life, and it’s not just for the “older” generation. I found the book to be like a peaceful train ride; less about the destination, and much more about enjoying the ride.Using his signature style from his earlier works, Arnold unfolds his theme via the narratives of people, encountered along his own path. Allowing these folks to share their personal stories, many times in their own words, provides the reader with a sort of emotional “connection” with them; a sense of both spontaneity and real honesty. Above all, it’s apparent that Christoph Arnold is a good listener. One gets the feeling he is sitting and rocking, chatting with some interesting friends. The stories are at once interesting, informing and filled with wisdom. You’ve been invited to sit with them all on the front porch. Don’t miss this chance to pull up a chair and join them. I promise you will enjoy your visit.
    • 1/5
      Rich in Years is like a family reunion of all your favourite child molesting uncles in their priestly attire. It's just as much fun now as it was when you were six and they couldn't get enough of you.This is a book full of quotations from poets, novelists, friends of the author and the Bible, yet is completely void of meaningful insight. All of your favorite cliches, platitudes and banal folk wisdom sayings make a guest star appearance in a constellation of aphoristic smugness! From "Nothing in life is more important than giving and serving," to "find fulfillment in your work." Even "When you are with children you become a child yourself again" makes a surprise guest appearance. And remember, you're so important in God's plan that once you're gone "the world's gonna have to take care of itself!" All of this unparalleled wisdom comes from a man who was solipsistic enough to never notice the elderly around him until old age crept up on him and one day unexpectedly forced him to join the ranks of the invisible senile league. If you're young and need your fix of old people complaints or are somewhat decrepit yourself but would enjoy hearing about people who are worse off than you, this book is for you (just ignore all the self-aggrandizing stories of being happier in your old age than in youth)! Life-altering wisdom of the "don't dwell on past failures" variety can also be found in this small volume, as well as condescending reminders to "stop rushing around from one appointment to the next, and instead, to take more time with [your] wife, [your] children, [your] grandchildren, and other children in the neighbourhood," and accept your inner child molester. Become the creepy old man you've been repressing for so long, you've earned it! But remember "Spending time alone is also valuable." Do not read this book, there is more wisdom regarding aging and the aged to be found in Ralph Waldo Emerson's essays from over 125 years ago. Old age doesn't always bring wisdom, this is the real lesson you can take from this short book. On page five you will find (if you've made the mistake of buying Rich in Years) a quote from Shakespeare's Macbeth:Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player Тhat struts and frets his hour upon the stage,And is heard no more; it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.And that is the perfect synopsis of the book:Out, out, brief book! You're but a walking shadow, a poor pamphlet Тhat struts and frets his hour upon the shelf,And is heard no more; it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.
    • 4/5
      In Rich in Years, Johann Christoph Arnold turns the stigma of age on its head. The old age he illustrates with stories of real people he has counseled certainly isn’t golden, but he shows that life can indeed be rich in meaning and purpose regardless of one’s health and circumstances. He writes, “Our society has lost perspective on growing old…In idolizing youth, vigor, and bodily health, we become obsessed with increasing life’s length, when we should be concerned with deepening life’s meaning.” Rich in Years will make you feel sorry for all the people caught in the trap of trying to stay young when they could be relishing the wealth of experience and dignity that only age can confer. Arnold’s arithmetic is irrefutable; by this currency, the older your get, the richer you are!
    • 4/5
      How can our society value seniors more and give them the dignity they deserve? How can we restore and strengthen the bonds between generations? How can older Americans find meaning and purpose in life regardless of age and health? These questions are at the heart of Johann Christoph Arnold’s eleventh book, Rich in Years.Arnold blends wisdom from some of the world’s great thinkers with stories of people he has known and admired to show that one doesn’t have to be young to enjoy life, or physically fit to make an invaluable contribution to society. No pop psychology or self-help manual, Rich in Years points to the vital role of faith and family in combatting loneliness, living with dementia, reconciling with family, and making end-of-life decisions. With nearly 78 million baby boomers heading into retirement, while often still caring for their own aging parents, these issues are more timely than ever.
    • 5/5
      Each chapter of Rich in Years thrills me because it pertains not only to senior citizens, but to me, to you, to each of us who from childhood on is gradually becoming richer in years. “Accepting Changes,” “Combatting Loneliness,” and “Finding Purpose” are chapter headings that touch issues close to each of us. I am amazed how the themes addressed in Rich in Years are not only contemporary, but surely also gave pause to our grandparents’ grandparents since the dawn of history. Arnold illustrates his insights with many personal stories from men and women he has known during his decades as a pastor, counselor, father and grandfather. With each chapter the reader meets new acquaintances, and yet each encounter has a sense of déjà vu familiarity because for each we could substitute a similar story from our own experiences.

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    Rich in Years - Johann Christoph Arnold

    Table of Contents

    Acclaim

    Copyright

    Dedication

    Foreword

    Preface

    Introduction

    Growing Older

    Accepting Changes

    Combatting Loneliness

    Finding Purpose

    Keeping Faith

    Living with Dementia

    Moving Forward

    Finding Peace

    Saying Goodbye

    Continuing On

    Beginning Anew

    Postscript

    The Author

    Other Titles by the Author

    What's next?

    Acclaim

    Pete Seeger, musician

    On these pages are wonderful words of hope. Savor them. As I sing in a recent song, What we do now, you and me, will affect eternity – God’s counting on me, God’s counting on you.

    Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York

    In this compact yet compelling book, Arnold brings the reader a wealth of personal stories about growing older. His hope-filled insights encourage those rich in years to also remain rich in faith.

    Alice von Hildebrand, professor emerita, Hunter College

    This book is bound to enrich all who read it. Arnold squarely faces the challenges of old age, teaching us how they can become meaningful when seen in the light of eternity.

    Eugene H. Peterson, author and scholar, The Message Bible

    A symphony of voices of men and women willing to talk about aging. The author weaves their stories together as a pastor who knows how to listen. There is much beauty here and not a trace of sentimentality.

    Marva J. Dawn, author, Being Well When We’re Ill

    Using profound and stimulating stories, Arnold welcomes us into an elegant fabric of elderly life, abundant with significance. I know you will find this book spiritually enriching.

    J.I. Packer, Regent College

    Unassuming yet outstanding, this is the best book I know on the godly ripeness that aging can bring in a Christian’s life. Elderly folk will find the warmth that it radiates wonderfully invigorating.

    Sr. Carol Keehan, president, Catholic Health Association

    This book gently invites us to reflect on the gift of aging more than the challenge of aging, and reminds us in a wonderfully consoling way that we age in the care of our gracious God.

    Dr. Megan Best, bioethicist and palliative care practitioner

    How refreshing to read a book that describes the enrichment that comes with the passing of time. With the author we can celebrate the joys of imperfection; the importance of a sense of humor as we age; and the importance of giving thanks for what our years have given us. This is timely wisdom.

    Tim Costello, chief executive, World Vision Australia

    Arnold is a trusted fellow traveler and guide. His book encouraged me to reflect on my own journey, and I am excited about my future. I hope that it will have the same impact on you.

    Fleming Rutledge, author, The Undoing of Death

    What a wonderful book! For those who care about their elders, it provides a treasury of wisdom. For those of us facing the years of declining powers, this is a gold mine of encouragement. I will refer to this book often and recommend it to others.

    Richard J. Foster, author, Celebration of Discipline

    Rich in Years is rich in wisdom, rich in courage, rich in hope. The people we meet in these pages and the stories they tell all build in us a confident assurance that God is with us every step of our journey.

    Catherine Wiley, founder, Catholic Grandparents Association

    An inspirational read for grandparents and indeed people of all ages. It deals sensitively with so many issues relating to aging and infirmity that people do not like to talk about, but really should. I found Rich in Years beautiful, helpful, and full of love.

    Published by Plough Publishing House, Walden, New York, Robertsbridge, England, Elsmore, Australia. www.plough.com

    © 2013 by The Plough Publishing House All rights reserved.

    ISBN: 978-0-87486-803-6

    Cover photos: ©Corbis Images

    Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

    Dedication

    My wife, Verena, and I dedicate this book to our parents, Heinrich and Annemarie Arnold and Hans and Margrit Meier. Because both these couples remained faithful in marriage and faithful to Jesus, their lives were richly fulfilled into old age, and touched thousands of others.

    Foreword

    by Cardinal Seán O’Malley

    In this book, Johann Christoph Arnold has once again offered us a translation of the meaning of God’s love for us through all the days of our lives. Here he shares with us a meditation on what Teilhard de Chardin called passive diminishment – the human experience of aging and suffering.

    What’s remarkable in these pages is how Arnold unites so many of the strands that run through his previous books. For example, he expands on his book on marriage and human sexuality – Sex, God and Marriage – by describing the love of husband and wife that is both within history and yet simultaneously related to God’s eternal love.

    Similarly, he builds on his book Why Forgive?, which focuses on the centrality of forgiveness and mercy as the basis of peace, reminding us of the mercy that we each receive. He calls us to allow that mercy to work in us by forgiving others, and so enter into the life of eternity.

    Crucially, Arnold also highlights the importance of prayer: Whatever time on earth we have, we should use it to lead others to a deeper, more prayerful relationship with God. This is perhaps the greatest gift we can give.

    Arnold’s work thus reflects the heart of Pope Francis’s first encyclical, Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith). Here Pope Francis adopts the work of Pope Benedict XVI while adding his own insights to his predecessor’s important engagement with Scripture and tradition, stating :

    There is an urgent need to see once again that faith is a light. For once the name of faith dies out, all other lights begin to dim. The light of faith is unique, since it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence. A light this powerful cannot come from ourselves but from a more primordial source: in a word it must come from God...Faith, received from God as a supernatural gift, becomes a light for our way, guiding our journey through time.

    In keeping with this vision, the Roman Catholic Church is now embarking on the new evangelization – a process of renewal through the Holy Spirit’s gifts, leading to an invigoration of our witness to the gospel. As Pope Benedict has reminded us, this renewal is closely linked to the call to unity among all Jesus’ followers, across denominational boundaries:

    The spiritual poverty of many of our contemporaries, who no longer perceive the absence of God from their life as a deprivation, constitutes a challenge to all Christians. In this context, we believers in Christ are asked to return to the essential, to the heart of our faith, to bear witness together to the world to the living God, that is, to a God who knows and loves us, under whose gaze we live; of a God who expects the response of our love in everyday life. (Address to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, November 15, 2012)

    It is a joy to be able to acknowledge in Johann Christoph Arnold’s book a manifestation of what Pope Francis and Pope Benedict describe. The work of Pastor Arnold and the community to which he belongs, the Bruderhof, is a testimony to the bond of faith that we as Christians share.

    Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.

    Archbishop of Boston

    Preface

    YEARS AGO I did a television interview with Ruth Gordon, the actress, and her husband Garson Kanin. They were in their mid-seventies at the time. I asked them, What is the hardest thing for you two as you move into your senior years? In unison they said, Losing your friends. And then Ruth said to me, I would encourage all old people to make friends of various generations – ten years younger, twenty, thirty, forty. Make friends; be a friend.

    I think that is wonderful advice. As I age (I am now in my seventies, like Johann Christoph Arnold), I find that I have some difficulty relating to my teenage grandchildren. So I always look for the connection between what was and what is now. I find it interesting when my grandkids call me up and say, You experienced such and such. What was it like? We are studying that in history class. All children love stories, so this sharing is extremely important to create a commonality between the younger generation and the older.

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