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Taking a Knee

I belong to an online prayer group and post there regularly. Most of my posts are in a section for people who are 50+, Golden Eagles. There's a group of a dozen or so of us who post regularly. People are from all over the world and from varied religious traditions. It's a very supportive group and I've greatly enjoyed visiting there. Last year I had the good fortune to meet one of my "Golden Eagle" friends, Paula, and what a great visit we had. She was as thoughtful and lovely in person as in her writing.

Paula posted this essay yesterday and I''ve been thinking about it all day. With her permission I'm glad to share it.


Taking a knee?


No, I'm not talking about kneeling in prayer! Not being a sports fan, I had never heard this "taking a knee" term until our youth pastor brought it up in a sermon a couple of weeks ago. Apparently, it is a football term (and sometimes used in soccer) to refer to a play where sometimes the quarterback after the snap simply drops to one knee and hangs onto the ball rather than running. This is done when they are ahead a lot or unable to score before the half. So in order to not risk injury or fumbling and the other team recovering the ball, they simply "take a knee" and let the clock run out.

So...since then I've evaluated whether in my life at this
point, in some ways, I'm "taking a knee" and letting the clock run out. I hope not but in some ways, I think I probably am.

Today on a secular forum someone suggested that older workers often seemed "tired" or "burned out." Which could just reflect how they feel about their
job, not necessarily their age. So ...not sure that's valid, but I thought it might be interesting for us to discuss on this forum since we are 50+.

Do you think most older people are "taking a knee" now in life? Do you think you are?


This is something I think about often. Am I too old to write a book, take on a new job, learn a new skill? Am I "taking a knee" and just doing what's familiar and comfortable? I don't think so, but it is something I am concerned about.

Dear gentle readers, I am interested in your thoughts, whether you are 50+ or 50-.

Wishes for a great week ahead!

6 comments

Chatty Crone said...

Very interesting to think about.

I think that some people are and some people aren't on their knee. It could almost be a character trait - from early on.

On the other hand - sometimes there is a time to be on the knee and at other times there is a time not to be on the knees. The important thing is to discern which is which.

Robyn Campbell said...

Lack of self confidence and a host of other reasons, are why people do take a knee in their life journeys.

Me? I just finished my novel, working on getting most of those words out of it that I didn't realize I even put in it. To be continued. :)

Jess said...

I think the enthusiasm with which you've embraced blogging means you're not "taking a knee" in life. Perhaps in your job just based on the years you've been in it (as Paula suggests) you've spent some time on a knee, but I doubt it's permanent. I think you can also look at "taking a knee" in a different light. The quarterback doesn't want to get injured when it won't advance his cause, so he takes a moment to protect himself and his team so he's well to fight another day. It can be a message of self-preservation. The idea of living to fight another day. A fine line, I'm sure, but a distinction.

k and c's mom said...

I think of the Browning lines "Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first is made..." I feel like 50 years of living has surely taken me to the top of my game is some area! I recently read a book called "Second Calling" by Bourke which talks about a new chapter in our life as we reach the freedom found in middle age.

By the way: I linked to your blog today. Thanks for always keeping it interesting and upbeat.

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

Nothing wrong with doing what is familiar and comfortable, as that's what makes this world continue. I think "taking a knee" can be viewed, in terms of a person's working life, as not stagnating, but as being at a point where the skills learned and honed in all the years before are finally at a peak and need little adjusting.

I doubt many older people are "taking a knee" in other avenues by choice. Instead, I think perhaps the anti-age message of this culture plays a role in putting doubts about being "too old" in their minds.

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was," asked Satchel Paige!!!

Joyful Days said...

Interesting subject--yes I think a lot of people do "take a knee." I feel like I've been gently nudged out of my comfort zone, though, every time I try to wedge myself in. I don't think God is thrilled when we just stay in our comfort zone.