Life Lessons

 This week I attended a funeral of a dear gentleman who has been a testimony to us all in our church for many years. He and his sweet wife are such blessings and witnesses of faith to so many. He had been suffering for quite some time and his dear wife was his faithful, patient caretaker for many years. They have been through much together. Their patience with one another taught me so much. Their love for one another is a rare example of what marriage and genuine love is supposed to be. The way she cared for him, even when it was very difficult, was an example of sacrificial love in a world of people who mainly focus on themselves. Even in her grief, she was such an example of faith and strength. Their love and faith have taught me some valuable lessons.

God has been pressing something into my heart in recent years, maybe it is my own age that is contributing to this, but listening to this man’s life story this week at his funeral helped confirm what I have already been learning, and that is: to spend time with those who are older and spiritually wiser than I am. Yesterday, as I listened to the family members and pastor recount this gentleman’s life, it inspired me to live a better life myself. As I sat there listening and reflecting on all that he had done to make a difference in other’s lives, I quietly asked God to help me to use my hours and days more wisely, and to spend more time learning from those who are wiser than me. There are so many precious folks in our church who have lived way more life and faith experiences than me and they have so much to offer. Please do not hear me saying that all older people are wiser or that younger folks are less wise, but, I do believe that there is a generation gap that needs to be bridged and that those who choose to ignore relationships with the older generation are missing so many blessings and so much knowledge.

When I looked around at the funeral that I attended, I noticed only a few younger people (less than a handful), which grieved my heart. There was so much to gain from this dear gentleman’s life story. Like I said, his life was a testimony of faith and service. He was not perfect, because no human is, but he left an incredible legacy. Our pastor clearly communicated the Gospel message to those who attended as well. Though it was a sad day for his widow and family, and for those of us who loved him and will miss him, it was also a day of celebration of his life and his passing into eternity with our Lord Jesus. What a huge lesson for us all.

The next time you have a chance to be with someone who is older and wiser than you, please do not waste this opportunity. So many of the elderly sit in church by themselves, or wait in a nursing home for just one visitor. There are opportunities all of the time to sit and visit with someone who can pour blessings and wisdom into our lives. Take advantage of these opportunities. If you pass someone in the hallway or in the grocery store, make eye contact, smile and say hello. It may just save a life. It will certainly bless them, and besides, it is just common courtesy and respect. You never know how you might make a difference. Rake a yard, sit with someone at church, help your parents out, join a Bible study where there are different aged people or help someone unload their groceries. Be the one to start a conversation with an older person. They have so much to share with you and it will bless you richly. (And them!)

I’m so thankful for the people in my life who have shared their life experiences, wisdom, prayer, knowledge and hope with me. They are all gifts and blessings. They have taught me much and I look forward to learning much more from them while I still have the opportunity to do so. I only pray that I can be that kind of blessing to others. I pray that I can share what God pours into me with others. I pray that the generational gap will be bridged and that we will all do life together regardless of our ages. We NEED each other! This life is not easy, and no good comes from trying to walk it alone. Grab someone by the hand and do it together!! Young and old! God bless you and thanks for reading.

Proverbs 1:5 (ESV) “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance…”