Our children and our elderly bless society. Most of us would benefit by recognizing them more.
Marvel at the mystery of life as you hold in your arms a newborn. Be memorized by the first steps of a young one. Let your children teach you to laugh, slow down, look upon the world with child-like curiosity, and not take yourself too seriously.
Jesus understood the preciousness of children. When people brought their children to him, so he could place his hands on them and bless them, his followers tried to drive them away. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14).” The Psalmist said it plainly, “Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD (Psalm 127:3).”
Forget not your children during the pandemic. Hold them extra close. Take the extra evenings at home as opportunities to dote on them. Nurture their souls. Sing them hymns of praise. Remember one day that cry may become an “Amen.”
Too often in our society, we treat our elderly degradingly. They may complain of aches and pains, but those discomforts hardly compare to the hurt they feel when we neglect their value and worth. In a society where health, vitality, and usefulness become like gods and goddesses we bow down to, our elderly often feel left behind. The Bible portrays old age very differently. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness,” says the author of Proverbs (Proverbs 16:31). “Is not wisdom found among the aged?,” said Job (Job 12:12).
Our elderly may struggle with email and social media, but they have so much more to offer. They have life experience. They have walked in your shoes before. They can teach you wisdom, give you sympathy, help you a little as you walk the well-worn path of life.
Many of our elderly isolate at home or in a nursing facility during this pandemic. Before you pick up that TV remote, consider picking up a phone and making a call. They will be glad to hear from you. You will be glad you talked.
Children and elderly, we need you. Thank you for teaching us to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously. Thank you for giving us wisdom and letting us know others have been here before. Praise God for our children and our elderly!