The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully

Written by Joan Chittister

Narrated by Elizabeth Bookser Barkley

Joan Chittister, one of our most celebrated spiritual writers, invites us to embrace older age as a natural part of life that is both active and contemplative, productive and reflective, and deeply rewarding. She encourages us to cherish the blessings of aging and to overcome its challenges. And she shows us clearly that this is a special period of life—maybe the most special of them all.

The Gift of Years looks at the many dimensions of aging, the purposes and concerns, struggles and surprised, the potential and joys. And perhaps the most important dimension of older age, Joan Chittister illuminates, is to become aware of its profound purpose: These are the capstone years, the time in which a whole new life is in the making again. The gift of these years is not merely being alive, it is the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Franciscan Media
• Release date: Nov 12, 2010
• ISBN: 9781616361464

Joan Chittister

Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, is a Benedictine nun and an international lecturer. In her more than 50 years as a nun she has authored 40 books, including her most recent, the critically acclaimed The Gift of Years.  Sister Joan is the founder and current executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality that located in Erie, PA.

Reviews for The Gift of Years

[Seba TCEF · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book touched my soul and brought tears to my eyes. My biggest takeaway from the book is the realization of not waiting to practice the art of living well and aging gracefully, but to start honoring the sacredness of one’s life in the present moment. Contemplating on Joan’s reflections will transport your thoughts to profoundly impactful moments throughout your life. It teaches a person how to facilitate deeper and more meaningful inter generational connections with members of one’s soul family and it will enrich our collective spirit. This book is the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you!