The Years of Ripening: Reflections on Aging in the Later Years

A sequel to the bestselling Vessels of Love

A sequel to her bestselling Vessels of Love, Joyce Rupp’s The Years of Ripening focuses on personal transformation, the wonder and goodness of our hidden self, how the qualities of our personhood have been expressed, and in what ways we can claim ever more of the truest reality of our inner being. As old age takes place, our physical being naturally weakens and wrinkles. At the same time, our non-physical being smooths out with a peaceful satisfaction. The tight ridges of past failures recede and dark illusions fade as we increasingly trust our life to be a harmonious song ＂rooted so by love.＂ This encourages us to shed our self-willed, false control until we become freed from that which binds our spirit. We let go of who we imagined ourselves to be and grow in a transparency that reveals our seasoned-with-love self. All is not ended with our final departure. We leave behind the beauty and bounty that resided within our aged selves. Like a ripened melon on the vine, so the matured fruit of our loving heart and weathered wisdom leave a beneficial legacy to nurture future generations.

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, international retreat leader, and conference speaker. She is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Praying Our Goodbyes, Open the Door, and Fragments of Your Ancient Name. Her Orbis books include Prayer, Walk in a Relaxed Manner, The Cosmic Dance, and Vessels of Love: Prayers and Poems for the Later Years of Life.