Leviticus 19:32

You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God.

In this passage, God is giving quite a lengthy list of things His chosen people should do and things they shouldn't do. In the midst of all these commands is this one, which speaks to respecting our elders.

Thoughts for the day...I was raised to respect my elders, and I have never had a problem with that. I actually enjoy being around the elderly, because more times than not, they're very pleasurable to talk with. I enjoy hearing their stories that they've probably told a thousand times to anyone who will listen. I enjoy watching an old couple as they walk hand-in-hand and just enjoy each other's company. Being a little old-fashioned in some of my mannerisms, I feel like I set some of their minds at ease when they see me do something that shows chivalry, that shows manners, that shows them something they thought was lost when they look at some of our other youth.

One of my favorite songs is "Walk With the Wise" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The chorus goes, "If we walk with the wise, we will grow wise. And if we walk in the light, then our path will be bright, I know. There's someone who's already been where we must go. In the light of what they've learned we find that we will grow wise, if we walk with the wise." I think that's why I enjoy talking to those older than myself, especially as I grow more spiritually mature. They've been through stuff that I haven't been through yet, and even some things I will never go through. I love to learn, and I believe it wholeheartedly when I tell my students that the best way to learn is to make mistakes. Part of wisdom is not only learning from my mistakes, but also learning from other people's mistakes. As I spend time with and listen to elderly people, the wisdom gained from their experiences can save save me from some pretty hard times.

Like I wrote earlier, I have never had an issue with respecting the elderly. I actually enjoy their company very much. What I think God is teaching me today is about wisdom, and how I can grow in wisdom as I mature spiritually--by talking to His older children.

My Prayer
Father, thank you for all of Your children, young and old. Let me never forget to respect those older than I, those who have been through trials of life that I won't have to if only I listen to them. Father God, allow me to be that light to the elderly that assures them that the young still value them and what they have to offer.