VALUE

The advice of “don’t neglect the old while you strive to attract the new” has several applications in life.

It’s like companies offering incentives to attract new customers and then increasing rates for customers whose contracts expire. I’m not too fond of that. It’s messed up.

Then there’s the spouse, tired of the mundane life of maturity, who goes looking for adventure while neglecting their family and mate, the loves of their life, at home. Loyalty goes right out the window.

What about the corporations slowly weeding out seasoned employees to replace them with young people who will work at a starting salary? They will hire two new people to do the work that one well-trained employee did.

I have gray hair. I’ve had it since my early 30’s and dyed it until I was 53. I love the freedom from having to color my roots every two weeks. However, I quickly discovered how biased some people are about gray hair. I’ve had strangers tell me they know of a great salon where I can get it colored. I tell them I’m free from that and love it. After I quit dying my hair, the senior discount was offered before I even qualified! Now, I no longer have to ask for it. I have conflicting feelings about that!

The young are our future, but that doesn’t mean the aged have no value. Even the most infirm have something to offer if nothing more than a lesson in humility.

What is it about the shiny new penny that is so attractive? It takes a hundred to amount to the worth of one tired old dollar bill, yet the shiny coins go in for the win to fill the jar. And after a while, when that jar is full, its contents are emptied, sorted, and traded for crisp new bills.

It’s something to remember as we trudge this life, getting older at every step. Some of us are old and wrinkled, with dog-eared wisdom and resources. Others are fresh, bright, and shiny, with new ideas and energy.

Note to self: Everyone has value. Love people. Period.

For those who can’t understand that, I’ll be praying for you. Someday, God willing, you will understand.

Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. Deuteronomy 32:7

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack–that there may be equality. 2 Corinthians 8:14

Reflection: How do I feel as the years go by and I see a new wrinkle or get a new ache or pain in my body? What can I do to show honor and love to a senior citizen?