We were playing outside on a warm spring evening just before dusk when my grandfather pulled up in a brand-new sports car. This car was as cool of a car as I had ever seen. He offered to ride around the neighborhood with my brother and me. We excitedly jumped in, forgetting what we were doing and puffing out our chests as we drove through the neighborhood with friends looking on. It was as cool inside as outside, and we were having fun. Rick and I desperately wanted to drive, unable to wait for the time we could have our own sports cars.
While approaching our home, after enjoying our time together, grandpa made the following comment: Life seems as though it may be backward, just when we arrive at the point of being able to buy nice things; we are too old to really enjoy them. I love this car but would have had much more fun with it around your age.
I want to put a tiny twist on this story.
In life, when we realize the value of words of wisdom from loved ones, it may either be too late or we are too old to enjoy the benefit.
For example, when we are very young, we feel as though our parents are superheroes. It is as if they are walking on water and can do no wrong.
Then, when we gain in age, our feelings of their superiority begin to lose some strength. As the teenage years begin to take over, we think perhaps they know very little. We begin to think they are old-fashioned or even out of touch.
Along comes young adulthood; we know we are the center of the universe. Our parents desperately need us in their lives, or they will be consumed by their lack of experience.
We get married and begin to think again; perhaps they know a little. This is followed by— before making this decision, let’s talk to our parents.
Now older and arguably wiser, what would they have thought about this? My father is gone now, and I often think how great it would be to talk to him.
If you are in the stage of believing your parents or loved ones are out of touch or don’t understand, may I suggest their words of advice will make your life better? One day, in the not-too-distant future, you will thank me; I guarantee it!!!
Jaren
Awesome advice. Practical, too many young people forget the facts of life, especially the one that they are not here forever, and age overcomes too quickly for anyone to turn back and relive the quality time with the individuals in our lives who truly matter. It’s ironic how the young generation is sometimes more out of touch than they blame the “old ones” to be.
Yes Jaren, I hang on to every memory which my parents ever gave me. (Actually, I am writing a book about my whole life.) When I was young I did not think they were very smart but now I cherish all of the daily little lessons of life which they taught to me. Hopefully, younger people – my own children – will learn much earlier than I did. My father passed in 2004, and mother in 2006. This has changed my life. However, out of this hard experience of losing them I have gained a little more wisdom and a lot more appreciation for everything which they taught to me. I appreciate all of my family even more and every day that I may have the opportunity to be around them. Thank you Jaren for your kind insight in this post and I am glad to have you as my new friend on facebook. It is wonderful to have some positive words of wisdom today! Teresa