I’ve been spending some time reflecting on age, wisdom and life over the last couple of weeks. As young-ish people, we are often accused of lacking respect for the old, writing off our seniors as obsolete, and ploughing ahead with our own ideas without respecting tradition. Other cultures don’t seem to share our youthful arrogance; they look to the past in order to find a way forward. Here is a great quote from a book I am reading at the moment,
‘The destination component of ‘walking with God’ offers a metaphor of progress for describing a disciple’s old age and death. The life of the old person is approaching its ‘natural’ outcome, an even closer relationship with God than has characterised the whole journey. This metaphorical perception of the final stage of the journey with God can and does function to transform self-perception, enhance dignity and offer some comfort for ageing mortals.’
I want to add that it also transforms the perception of the young. It exposes our experience and knowledge for what they are, wisdom in waiting.
9 comments:
I agree in terms of technology etc. My grandfather would be the last person I'd go to for advice on web design.
I suppose I was talking in terms of wisdom not knowledge though. I see wisdom as something that partially transcends its context and can offer input into other arenas. In terms of Christianity though, it does make it easier if the elderly we are talking about are on a similar wavelength. Although I'd never want to say never.
Nice post Jon.
I don't think that the very different place this generation is headed for is a particularly great one. Maybe that's because we generally fail to listen to our elders.
being a nurse, I have had the joy of working with some amazing old people.
Some of the best advice I got just before I got married was from elderly patients. and if two people can make it work for 60 years they are worth listening to!
Although we have loads of new stuff in terms of technology, things like faith, respect, love and manners will always be important and relevant.
I hope you don't mind me jumping in.
I think the technology argument can be applied to all cultures, not just our own. I have heard people moan about it everywhere! Technology aside, do you really think that the human experience has changed so much as to make old people obsolete?
Change is a fundamental part of life, and I for one have found huge comfort in the knowledge that there are those ahead of me who have been through some of what I'm feeling/thinking/doing. Sometimes it does feel like there is no new ground to be covered or explored, but generally I'm glad to see signs of other people who have passed through.
I've been brought up to respect the elderly so in many ways I don't mind giving Age some respect (even if I wouldn't always agree with the individual). I'd hope I would be humble enough to respect Wisdom whatever the age of the person, as wisdom is found in so many unexpected places!
There is something really magical about old people that draws me out of myself and my self-centred life. I don't know if age makes you wise, but by default you will have had more experience of life and I think experience, if you're open to it, makes you wise.
The elderly provide a great calming influence on me too. Just the fact that they are still standing. Like when I see a great oak or a river. Nature is a great constant for me, and old people have a similar effect.
To agree with fools' cap, I think the technology argument can be applied to all cultures, and I would add that across all ages too, throughout history.
My Grandad died when I was 15. He would have been 92 yesterday. I wish he was alive today, because I have so many things I want to ask him. He is a pillar for me. I was fortunate enough to have him live with us since I was born and I know that in the years I was with him he taught me alot. About love, kindness, nature, poetry, gentleness, self-discipline and humour. Rob reminds me of him alot.
I like what the quote says about being closer to God as you approach life's natural outcome. Like the curtain between life and death is thinner, more tangible. I have not had an experience in my life that has forced me to face my own immortality, but I sense that when I do, it will profoundly change my outlook and my faith.
My final thing... We held a harvest assembly at school, where the children performed dances and recited poems before an audience of elderly people from the almshouses over the road. It was an emotional experience. Seeing the young and old together at a celebration of harvest and the cycle of life, sowing and reaping.
Children and the elderly are very close to God. I think their vulnerability has alot to do with it. I think it is the middle part of life that is a bit of a muddle, but I think that is because I am in this phase now.
Woah, Vic, you haven't had to face your immortality! Amazing.
But I think you're right, the elderly and the young are often closest to God- maybe they have less clouding their vision.
But I spent some time with some biddies in an old peoples home, and while I'm sure they were wise, the thing they seemed to talk about most was regret. A lot of them were unable to let go of old hurts and stuff, a lot of it to do with the war (which is understandable). It kind of made me think that I don't wanna have those sorts of regrets, or hold on to things that aren't worth holding on to.
I think that while I fully agree with the idea that we should listen to old people, adn that we have a lot to learn form them, I just haven't had someone like Victoria's Granddad to learn from- I'm more like Cat in that regard.
The main concern for me isn't that we don't listen to old people, its that we hide them away. I think its got to do with our societies obsession with youth, and when people get old, they remind us of the passing of time, and that we will be old one day.
Hmm...perhaps I came across as rather sanctimonious! It wasn't my intention!! I guess I was speaking more out of an ideal or wishful thinking than anything else. I live far away from my grandparents, and honestly don't mix that much with very old people. There's a lot of age segregation that I'm quite afraid to breach. Perhaps it's the myth of everlasting youth spread by magazines, or whatever... I feel like I'm missing out on something, but I'm not sure what to do about it.
oops! I meant mortality, of course. (or did I??....)
Post a Comment