“Excellence In Retirement Living” was the theme for the 40th Anniversary of Wesley-Palms where I am joyfully living in the “Afternoon’ of life.

For this Anniversary I wrote a parody on Corinthians l3th chapter.

I may have traveled widely, seen most of the American States, Europe , and the Exotic places on this Planet but if I have not Love I am a rattling pan or brazen T.V commercial. l may have a loud voice, developed numerous products, helped with many wars, accumulated wealth, but if I have not love, I am nothing. I may have settled all my affairs, given my children good educations and the highest of privileges; and on my death donated my body to science, but if I have not love, what good is it?

Love here and now, enables me to understand if my meals are a bit late; if the smiling employees do not do as good as I would have done in my day; and feel like fretting when I realize ,too many of my brothers and sisters here have infirmities that keep them from conforming to the high standards of conduct, cleanliness and courtesy I would expect. It causes me to speak kindly not sharply no matter how tense I might feel.

Because of love, I can rejoice in the good fortune of classmates that they ,too, have been accepted in this matchless place.

Love causes me to feel humble, regardless of the unique blessings in my life stemming from the Grace of God.

Love teaches me to listen closely and speak with courtesy to my fellow Journeyers whose life I touch every day. I will not be selfish, irritable or hold grudges against those I feel have been “pushy” and demanding of special privileges.

Love enables me to look for the good in people and events, and not to repeat or even believe the slanderous gossip I may hear. We are so amazingly blessed. No matter how bad things are here for a few lonely, bitter people, or for that matter in the messed up world outside our “Paradise cocoon.” Love enables me to never give up; to always have an unfailing hope and patient faith Like the Founders of this place 40 years ago.

Yes ,I am a constant Optimist. I think we modern people are only in the adolescence of making this World what the Maker intended it to be. We are beginning to know that all humans on our world are brothers and sisters regardless of the manifest and imaginary differences we proudly display.

Presidents, Preachers, Administrators, Staff and we ourselves will come and go. There will be times of joy and celebration, fun and fellowship. Times ,too, of sorrow, change, and the missing of neighbors and those we love as much as life itself.

These will all pass away as we leave our mark and wear out the place. These will all pass away but Love will still be vibrantly evident. We are all parts of a Whole. When a more perfect day arrives all partial things will be seen and appreciated more perfectly.

I am a more mature person than I once was. I’ve put away many childish ways of speech and action. I know that my vision now is only a partial image. I don’t even hear everything correctly.

The Eternal God ,Energy ,Unbegun Beginning ,and Sustainer of all life and things will make it more clear to me someday. In the meantime I live in the knowledge that ‘FAITH, HOPE, LOVE’ are ever with me.

Here on this hillside, I am constantly surrounded with the greatest of these. LOVE both as expressed by so many toward me and my relationship with those who are here.

Caleb Elroy Shikles