A colleague shared this about his 25-year old daughter. Despite her many gifts and talents, including having just completed a Master’s degree Summa Cum Laude, she was frantic and unsettled about which law school to attend. And she had just been accepted to three top-tier law schools.

With a shared sigh, and then a shared laugh, we both understood the wisdom that comes with the perspective of age.  We spoke about our own experiences of decision-making as 25 year olds and how they were fraught with anxious importance over what was to be decided.  We heartily agreed that we both are quite happy now, grateful to live in our current stage of life – the mid-50’s.

Our comments were steeped in appreciation for the ways so many life experiences give wisdom to our understanding.  This wisdom brings us patience, perspective, and trust—not just in ourselves or through a life that is mostly good, but trust that God will bring about the fulfillment that we most need – despite our lack of immediate security and certainty.

What kernel of the Lord’s wisdom can I treasure throughout this day?

—Fr. Glen Chun, S.J. is minister of the Loyola University Jesuit Community, Chicago, and also serves on the vocations staff for the Chicago-Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus