Can you recall a time in your life when you obtained something important for your well-being for which you had planned and waited a long time (such as a home, citizenship, a sought-after job, a needed medical procedure)? If you cannot think of such a story in your own life, is there a family story of this type? Consider these questions:

• How did you or your family member obtain or receive whatever it was?
• What actions and circumstances led to this event?
• What story do you tell about this event?

Reflect on how you might have answered these questions as an eight-year-old child, a fourteen-year-old youth, or a young adult making your way in the world. Envision the way you would like to respond when you are an elder, looking back on your life.

Bring each person in your group into your mind and hold them in appreciative thought and/or prayer.