The Older Generation
THE OLDER GENERATION
Read Psalm 71:17-22.
“We’ll meet here at the church Saturday afternoon and go together,” Mrs. Kendall announced. “Class dismissed.”
As soon as the children were out the door, Mark groaned, “Who wants to go to the nursing home? What have I got in common with those old folks?”
Adam shrugged. “Not much! But we’ve got to go, or Mrs. Kendall will be disappointed.”
Coming up behind them, Natalie added, “Mrs. Kendall is the best Sunday school teacher we have ever had. But visiting a nursing home is a dumb idea!”
Adam shrugged again. “Maybe we won’t stay long.”
The next Saturday afternoon, eight fifth graders met at the church. “After we sing and read Scripture, go around and introduce yourselves,” Mrs. Kendall instructed.
“What will we say to them?” Natalie asked.
Mrs. Kendall smiled. “You probably won’t have to say much. Your main job will be listening.”
Two hours later the boys and girls again piled into Mrs. Kendall’s van. “That Mr. Wilson is sharp. He used to be the mayor,” Mark said. “He offered to help me with my paper on the history of our town.”
“Did you know that Mr. Rowland was once the foreman of the Flying W Ranch?” asked Adam. “He told me how the Lord helped him in a blizzard.”
“And Mrs. Baker is going to teach me how to crochet,” Natalie said. “Next time we come, I need to bring . . .” Natalie paused, then continued, “We are coming again, aren’t we, Mrs. Kendall?”
Mrs. Kendall smiled. “I’ll leave that decision to you. Everyone who wants to come again say ‘aye.’” A chorus of “ayes” filled the air.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you shunned older people because you didn’t know how to talk to them? Many senior citizens need someone to listen to them. And you need to hear what they have to say.
TO MEMORIZE:
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
LISTEN TO YOUR ELDERS.
From the book
