Finishing the Race: Reflections From Tuesdays With Morrie

A recent book club read and the need to pay attention to a serious family health history gave me many life lessons to reflect upon. 

My congregation’s Women’s Book Club recently discussed Tuesdays With Morrie, Mitch Albom’s 1997 memoir of weekly visits with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

ALS is a progressive, fatal neurological disease that gradually takes away the ability to walk, talk, eat and breathe. As he visited Morrie in the last weeks of his life, Albom took one last class on love, regret and human connection.

I first read the book years ago, when my husband’s cousin had ALS. Reading it again now, as my niece Kathy faces the same disease, left me searching my own heart. Self-examination is one of the book’s greatest gifts. Morrie was not too proud to ask for help, and his example makes me ask whether I will be willing to do the same when life becomes difficult, whether due to infirmity of age or poor health.

As an older woman, I know I am drawing closer to the end of this life and to the hope of God’s coming Kingdom. I still have much to learn from His Word and from others, but I also hope to encourage others through what I have learned. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron,” and through close relationships in the Church, we strengthen one another.

Listening, wisdom and self-examination

Morrie’s example also reminded me how much listening matters. James 1:19 tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (New International Version). Proverbs 18:13 teaches us that listening reflects wisdom, humility and love, while speaking too soon leads to folly. Listening is an act of patience and love, and it is essential to healthy relationships. Yet listening alone is not enough.

We must also be doers of God’s Word (James 1:22). Morrie described time as water rushing down an open drain, conveying a sense of urgency that compels me to ask myself if I am using my time wisely.

Am I distracted by competing activities? Do I make time each day to walk with God in prayer, gratitude and trust? What do my relationships with family members, fellow Church members and strangers look like? 

Am I sincere, loving and willing to help? Am I inviting God to search my heart and help me align my thoughts with His way (Psalm 139:23-24)? I’m told in James 1:5 that if I lack wisdom, I should ask of God, who gives generously. Am I asking?

Aging, compassion and eternal perspective

As I read about Morrie’s decline, I was reminded that growing older means accepting what we can no longer do. Yet Morrie did not live in despair. Though he allowed himself moments of sorrow, he turned his attention back to the people around him. His example reminds us that our sufferings should deepen our compassion for others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

His example should also move us to pray “Your kingdom come,” as Jesus Christ taught His disciples (Matthew 6:10). Some older people in our congregations and communities are nearing the end of their earthly journey, and, if their life “is found in the way of righteousness,” “it is a crown of glory to them” (Proverbs 16:31). Their life is an example that younger men and women can learn from.

Morrie eventually had to accept complete dependence on others. While few of us will suffer the same affliction that he did, as humans it’s our lot to grow old and die. Eternal life is possible only through dependence on God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Our culture rarely encourages serious thought about death, aging or eternal purpose, yet God’s Word gives us clarity, hope and direction.

Love, legacy and lasting meaning

God wants us to rejoice, delight in Him and love one another. Morrie understood that many people spend their lives focused on things that matter little. Of far greater value are the gifts of time, love, listening and meaningful conversation. By devoting ourselves to God’s way—loving Him and loving others as ourselves—we can derive deep meaning from life.

All people are made in the image of God. That truth should move us to walk in humility, patience, forgiveness and compassion toward others. As we grow older and (hopefully) wiser, we can see more clearly that money, status and power do not offer what we are truly seeking. 

My personal hope is to use well whatever time God gives me to love my family and friends and to leave behind a faithful example. I’m reminded that whatever I “do in word or deed,” I must “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). 

I give thanks for a wonderful husband of 53 years, with whom I share this Christian journey, for our four children and their loving spouses, for the love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for a caring Church family. Above all, I thank God for His calling and the understanding that gives such peace.

I pray that I may endure faithfully to the end to be there for Morrie Schwartz and for so many more who will come to the knowledge of God and to an understanding of this way of life. That will be a glorious time of hope for all!

For related thoughts on the topic of aging, check out our similar blogs: “Aging With Grace” and “The Beauty of Growing Older.”