Years Of Wisdom

Years of Wisdom

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.

Job 12:12

Right before my eighty-two-year-old neighbor blew out the candles on the little cake my kids and I had brought him to commemorate his birthday, he said, “I’m really thankful for good friends.”

He had recently moved away from our neighborhood to an apartment complex for elderly people, and although we understood his reasons for wanting to move, we missed him. He had been a fixture in our neighborhood, sitting outside each afternoon and evening on nice days, giving my kids treats, and taking the time to sit and talk with anyone who came to visit. He loved my kids and always made time to listen to their stories or to watch them dance or play. I found that I enjoyed just spending time with him, and I valued his advice and his knowledge of the area where we live. He added a richness to my family’s life that we wouldn’t have otherwise had, simply by being willing to share all of who he was with us.

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the elderly, but the Bible reminds us that they have earned great wisdom and understanding. We who are younger can learn a lot about how to handle issues in our lives now by listening to those who have walked this road before us. Or perhaps you are on the other end of this spectrum, wondering if the younger generations even care about what you have to say. It may not be true of everyone, but many do find value in your words and the wisdom you have to offer. The older I get the more I want to listen to those who are further along in life than I am. Don’t miss the value of gaining wisdom from those who are more experienced than you and spending time with the older generation. It is not only kind but also a wise thing to do.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Ask advice from or offer encouragement to someone who is older than you.