Some Things You Just Have to Live With: Musings on Middle Age

by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

Everybody figures it out sooner or Even in a Botox world that promises eternal youth, some things―from aches and pains to wrinkles, from menopause to the empty nest―you just have to live with. But despite the challenges, those who are reaching middle age―yesterday’s Baby Boomers―might not want to turn back the clock. Instead, as their bodies change and their priorities shift, they’re looking to cull wisdom from their experience and find spiritual meaning in their re-examined lives.

In Some Things You Just Have to Live With , author Barbara Cawthorne Crafton explores the “spilled milk” of our lives, the physical changes our bodies endure, and the new and energizing purpose we can discover by plunging into the middle of life in a deeper―and sometimes mystifying―relationship with God. A wonderful storyteller, Crafton writes with humor and pathos rather than a heavy hand, allowing readers to see themselves and their own lives in the unfolding pages.

Some Things You Just Have to Live With is a source of inspiration―and smiles―to those navigating the turbulent waters of the middle of life.

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, while wandering through the local library, I discovered The Sewing Room : Uncommon Reflections of Life, Love, and Work, by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton. I didn't read the book; I devoured it, and ended up buying a copy for myself.

Since this happy meeting, I've bought other books by Rev. Crafton, including Some Things You Just Have To Live With: Musings On Middle Age.

I just finished Some Things..., a slim volume of essays written by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, a retired Episcopal priest. The essays in this volume deal with the joys (and foibles) of middle age, describing the changes we go through during this time in our lives. Written in good spirits, with a touch of humor intact, Some Things You Just Have To Live With: Musings On Middle Age is a joy to read, especially by those of a certain age. I highly recommend this slim volume.

[Linda M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Crafton muses about middle age in a series of short reflections. Anyone over the age of 50 will understand what she writes about & will chuckle at many of the stories.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author was the keynote speaker at my church's EYC retreat in January, so they were selling some of her titles. Since I loved The Sewing Room, it was an easy choice to grab one. It is a small delight.