Depending on who you talk to, they say your “prime years” are in your thirties or forties. For athletics, it’s typically somewhere around thirty years old and for vocational success, it’s typically somewhere around forty years old. So, a lot of the limelight tends to be on these years in terms of what we assign value to and whom people tend to look up to or even idolize.
Call me strange, but my favorite people in this world are found at the two bookends – those under ten years old and those over seventy. Why? I’ll explain and give you some Holy Scripture along the way to keep you from thinking I’m too odd.
The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
– Proverbs 20:29
Kids are precious. Heck, I’ll stop there because that’s hardly an original sentiment.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
– Psalm 127:3-5
According to the Bible, children are a blessing to godly homes.
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
– Mark 10:13-16
Apparently, Jesus liked being around children. My hunch is that it’s the same reason I like being around them – they possess a certain innocence to them and a type of faith that is admirable. They also love unabashedly and will express that love in the purest of forms. In this way they are beautiful models for us to ponder. Oh, and they give the best hugs, too!
Since recently becoming a grandfather, I’ve learned to appreciate children even more.
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
– Proverbs 17:6
Now, old people are just flat out cool to me. Why? Well, for starters they have the most wisdom! I love wisdom because it’s the mature version of knowledge. I think of wisdom as knowledge applied to one’s life by faith. The older we get, the more adept we become at this.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
– Proverbs 16:31
My mom has shared that the older she gets the more “invisible” she seems to become to those around her. This is because, as I alluded to earlier, people tend to preoccupy themselves with the attention grabbers in this world (those in their thirties and forties). To me this is such a tragedy. We ought to be seeking the counsel of the elderly instead of figuring out how to push them aside for a better view of the circus.
Speaking of moms…
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
– Ephesians 6:1-3
Seriously, what’s cooler than wisdom? Nothing, in my book. Maybe I’m weird (well, that’s true regardless – lol), but I’d rather spend an hour with an elderly person who has a ton of experience to share than with a person who’s still trying figure things out. I’ll gladly pay homage to a person who’s been around the block a few times and is willing to share their observations and guidance. They don’t need to be able to dunk a basketball or be rich, they have the one thing I treasure far more than earthly things – wisdom. Sure, there are times when they forget their words or may even act a little crotchety, but I’ll take all of that with a grain of salt in favor of the prize.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
– Proverbs 19:20
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
– James 3:17
By the way, do you remember what King Solomon prayed for? Read 1 Kings 3 for the answer! I’ll give you a hint: Solomon was at least wise enough to ask for something very specific. God was pleased he did, too!
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
– Proverbs 4:5-9
So, there you go. Solomon’s example is for all of us to follow. Let’s be wise enough to ask the Lord for more wisdom. To heck with the fame and fortune! Pursue that which has eternal value in the present (I know that’s a loaded statement – spend some time trying to unbundle it).
We all have the right to enjoy whoever’s company we wish, but, given the choice, I’m sticking with kids and old people. I admire the love and faith of children and I respect and appreciate the wisdom of my elders. I say this as a person in my fifties so I’m very aware of the implications (e.g., I currently fall in neither bracket).
Children are precious and old people are inherently cool!
Can I get an amen???
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins