Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

I wish I were more of an academic at times.  Perhaps I would have a better understanding of all that this author was conveying...but I did catch some wonderful glimpses!  In his seventies, Richard Rohr, writes of the differences between our First Half of Life and our Second Half of Life.  We are driven and goal oriented in our first half, working hard and believing that structure and authority are of great value to advance ourselves in the world.  This author speaks from the other side, from the Second Half of Life.  This is the side where we leave behind that intense desire to achieve, and to be approved by others.  We finally realize who God has made us to be, and we "settle in" and enjoy the journey more.  What I so fervently believed in my past Baptistic tradition, has now melded into an acceptance of the differences in theology and practices of other denominations.  What I passionately pursued in my First Half of Life political views (what seemed so black and white), has now blended--each party seems to have some of what I believe sometimes---and none of what I believe at other times.  Amazingly, God has given peace in all the changes and transitions.  I am on a learning trajectory that allows me to "no longer need to divide the field of every moment between up and down, totally right or totally wrong, with me or against me" thinking.  God has given a calmness in appreciating differences, histories, the stories of others...I do not always need to be in groups that are the same as me, or think the way I do.  Yes, that's generally more comfortable-- but in leaning into Jesus more (Falling Upward), He gives the ability in the Second Half of Life, to accept people and situations, to give grace, to love more broadly, to surrender my "right" to be right.  Perhaps this new way of thinking is ...maturity?  or wisdom?  Whatever it is, I am ok with it.