Friends,

 

There seems to be an "older person" theme that has been running through my life the past 24 hours.  Last night, I went to the monthly meeting at my fire hall and our chief reminded everyone there, young and old alike, to respect one another's age.  Young guys have energy to give and older guys have knowledge to share.  Point taken.

 

Now this morning, my devo's verses are the following:  "You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged." Leviticus19:32 (NASB)  And "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)

 

Seems like the chief and The Chief are on the same page!

 

We all have "the grayheaded" in our lives or maybe they...are us!  Whether we live near by them, they are family, or neighbors, or "they are us" and our friends, we all know people that could use a little help, respect, care and concern.  And maybe, if you are they, maybe there are some "not yet grayhaired" that could use a little understanding, support, mentoring and guidance.  It doesn't matter if we have devoted our vocational life to work with the elderly at Greenfield's Lutheran Rehabilitation Center or you pass by someone older than you in the parking lot at Wegmans, seems like respect and love are the way to interact.

 

These verses this morning could come from the mouth of The Chief or your chief and either way, it betters the world if we live it out.  I don't believe Jesus taught us ways to live that take us out of the world and daily life.  I believe that Jesus came into daily life (see Christmas for details) to announce that the Kingdom is now and that God's way, although sometimes different from the dailyness of life, can work out for the good of all.

 

Whether your hair is gray or not.

 

Nick, one of our Peer Ministers at Campus Ministry, said yesterday, "I don't want to be one of those Christians that stands out there handing out pamphlets and yelling, "You suck!  Accept Jesus."  I just want to love. (verb)"

 

Maybe those who are older than us don't need another pamphlet...maybe they just need a little love?

 

Lord, help me love all today.  Amen

 

Still in One Peace,

Steve
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Steve Biegner

Lead Servant of Lutheran Charities of Western NY