A few weeks ago, our church hosted a 100th birthday celebration for one of our members, Mrs. Katie Broyles. She became a teacher at the age of 18 and served in education for 47 years before retiring. Even now, she maintains her daily life with a healthy body and vibrant spirit.

Mrs. Broyles lost her husband long ago and lived her life without children. Yet she radiates brightness and cheerfulness, with a remarkable sense of humor. Simply being near her brings joy and a sense of abundance.

I once made a plan for my later years: “When I turn sixty, I’ll be more beautiful than anyone!” But after meeting Mrs. Broyles, I revised it to: “When I turn one hundred, I’ll be the most beautiful of all!”

Human life can be short or long. Some pass through this world briefly, while others live a full century with health in both body and soul.

I looked back at the America of 100 years ago, when Mrs. Broyles was born. The average life expectancy was 47 years. Only 14% of Americans had bathtubs in their homes, and just 8% had telephones. There were only about 8,000 cars, and just 144 miles of paved roads. The tallest building in the world was the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The average hourly wage was 22 cents. Ninety percent of doctors practiced without a college education, and women and people of color had no voting rights, nor could they dream of holding high office.

And what was happening in Korea? Japan’s colonial policies had begun, stripping Korea of its sovereignty. In Harbin, China, Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the Japanese Resident-General. The people lived in hunger and fear.

Now, a century later, the world is gripped by economic hardship. Yet compared to the past, our environment is so improved it could be called heavenly. Life expectancy has nearly doubled. We live with social healthcare systems, personal freedoms, environmental awareness, and political stability.

So how abundant is the life I live today, the one I feel and find satisfaction in? There’s a saying: “Human abundance comes from a state of trust and faith.” No matter how much the world has improved, if I cannot feel it or enjoy it, then the struggles and progress of our ancestors—who fought for justice and peace over the past century—lose their meaning. But if I live under the presence of God at every point in history, then I am truly blessed, and I must live as one who delights in abundance.

At Mrs. Broyles’ birthday party, her retired former students and family gathered to celebrate her long life. Their laughter bloomed like autumn ripening. As the party came to a gentle close, Mrs. Broyles waved goodbye to the guests as if she were seeing off children after a day of school. Then, with a puzzled look, she said:

“… It was so nice to see my students again … but when did they all get so old …?”

Her gaze lingered on the slow, shuffling figure of an elderly guest, unable to look away.

© WanHee Yoon

(Pastoral Faith Column #7, LA Christian Today, 11/18/2009)