I’ve heard it said that our second childhood occurs when you arrive in your senior years, so naturally I think about things like that on my birthday. The truth is that I never really thought about it until after I turned 60! Something seemed to click and all of a sudden I realized how much an older person’s world has narrowed, how little people pay attention to what the older generations says or thinks, and how you no longer belong to the group people envy. (If you haven’t heard the violins, I’m not through yet!) You wake up every morning with aches you tried to forget when you took your meds the night before. You realize that your children are so busy with day-to-day life that they forget that your past experiences and mistakes could save them some of the deepest sorrows. Most tragic, it seems to me, is that your grandchildren never really know how much you love them, how deeply you desire their spiritual maturity, and how you could help them find joy in their years ahead. However, they have parents who want to raise them differently from they were raised!

I think the truth is that the search for significance seems much more relevant than the drive for pleasure, acquisition, or acclaim. Did they really hear what I said, or more so, did it really matter to them? The need for a bit of attention begins to peak again, as it did when we were totally dependent on others. At this point we have either proved or become resigned to our never being able to ever confirm our ability to accomplish what we have the accumulated knowledge to pass on. Sadly the societies that have grasped the value of a senior’s knowledge have turned it into a form of idol worship or religion. Isn’t that just like us to spoil something God gave us so many years to work out and perfect?

I must say that I am blessed beyond measure and realize I get more attention than I deserve. Each of you has blessed me in more ways than I can count. However, I want to ask you a question that I am very serious about. “What have you missed by not pursuing time with, asking advice of, or learning from a senior’s experience?” Their wealth of information and love will simply overwhelm you if you are willing to embrace it. I was blessed to “stand in” on an occasion or two for a senior’s Sunday school class while in my late 30s. After several sessions I jumped at every opportunity I had to take their class and absorb what they had to better my mind and heart. I learned quickly that they may not be as up on current events or technology as I was, but the heart of the matter was always at the top of their agenda. There was always takeaway value for me when I pretended to be their teacher.

I’m not asking you to desert me or your mom, but I encourage you to learn from the wisdom of those our age. You are well aware that Mom and I did not have all the answers — we see it in your lifestyles! However, you may very well find some of the answers we missed in someone our age who is committed to God.  Don’t get to the position I am in life and wish you had a tape recorder of certain conversations with your grandparents or regret the fact that someone wise was in your sphere and you missed the opportunity to pick their brain about the wisdom that God poured out on them.

Who do you know? Where can you find them? What are you waiting for? Pick up your phone!

Love, Dad