As one grows older one appreciates more of the things around about: the seasons of the year; the freshness of spring, the pleasures of summer, the vigour of fall, the challenge of winter. Also the beauty of these seasons: in spring the lovely new flowers and the new growth, in summer the marvel of the seaside and the endless days, in fall the beauty of the coloured leaves and shrubs, in winter the majesty of the snow topped mountains and the wind swept whitecaps of the sea.

Notably, also, is the appreciation of Creation, not only in nature around us, but the miracle of the small baby looking so new and marvellously made. Even the animals, domestic and wild, are seen with a more understanding eye and amazement at their capabilities and place in the order of life.

In older years as one is awed by the ever increasing technical marvels fast appearing in everyday life, such as TV, CD, cellular phones, computers, medical aids, etc., one marvels more at the Creator who makes these things possible, rather than at the items themselves.

These times of reflection are some of the benefits of the older years.

Thinking of freedom - there is no such thing as complete freedom. One is always bound by responsibilities. Before any action is taken the result on family and friends must be considered and consequence measured. If you do not carry your share of the load, who is going to pick it up?

Freedom to say what you will can cause misunderstanding, disappointment, sorrow and at the least annoyance.

We are also bound by conscience to know what a selfish act in the name of freedom may do to others. Take freedom in the broader sense. We are free to vote for whom or what we want, but then we are bound by the decision which is reached.

We are free to move about wherever we choose to go or live, but we are bound by the regulations and restrictions of the area, usually made for the good of others. Even the person living in isolation in some wilderness area is bound by the necessity of carving out a living and in so doing restricted by what to do and what not to do.

One could go on but is restricted by time, while other duties wait.

Gerald Anderson
Retired businessman

Update: Gerald died at the age of 95 In 2005. He was a quiet, thoughtful man, with a kind spirit.