Where do you seek wisdom? Do you resort to text books, or the internet? Do you have a peer group who you can rely on to share their wisdom. What about the senior members of your family? Has it ever occurred to you that they have lived a good many years more than you have and have gained wisdom and knowledge that cannot be obtained any place else?
The senior members of a family used to be the first ones whom a young woman or a young man would seek when they wanted to know something. Communities were built around family members as children were born or fields were planted and harvested. The young sat at the feet of the older members to pick their brain, to learn, and to listen.
Not so today. Seniors are ignored in most families as someone who is out of the loop, can’t possibly understand 
what the younger generation is going through or are too far behind the times. Respect for age is a lost art, even in Japan where, at one time, senior parents lived with their children, were venerated and cared for. Now, the largest population of homeless, in Japan, are seniors.
Our ultimate source of wisdom is God. The Bible says, in James 1:5-8, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” Seeking wisdom from God is a good thing to do.
When we pray for a medical miracle, do we only expect a complete healing miraculously from God or do we expect healing from God-appointed sources like doctors and pharmacologists. Where do you think they got the knowledge to do what they do? If we ignore the people God places in our life as sources of wisdom, how long will it be before God refers to us as double-minded because we did not recognize His intervention when we asked for it.
The family structure was designed by God for a reason. Parents guide their children, teach them along the pathway of life, as God planned. They are told to seek His advice when teaching and training a child where he should go, so if they are doing that, why aren’t young people listening anymore?
There are many active seniors living a lot longer than they used to. But one day, they will disappear from the lives of those God has entrusted to them. One day their wisdom, their insight, their experience will disappear unless the younger generation decides that the ideas they share are worth listening to and implementing. Wisdom comes from God and parents, grandparents carry it to the world.
Look around. Who do you know, that you could spent time with, and pick their brain? What about the older gentleman living all by himself next door? Or the older woman who sits alone day after day with a ton of information in her brain that could benefit anyone willing to listen. Maybe you have a parent who has walked where you walk and could smooth over some of the rough edges, show you that this problem or that one is not as bad as you think it is while you are in the midst of it. For the seniors out there, take the time to listen, offer advice when asked, but above all, accept when your advice is not adhered to … this time. Maybe it will be next time.
Our greatest prayer warriors are the senior generation. They do utilize their God-given wisdom when they pray for friends and family. It is their prayers that can change the circumstances in a young person’s life as they intervene before the God of the Universe. Wisdom from God attached to a fervent prayer warrior can do spiritual battle like no other. Find your prayer warrior and show them the respect they deserve.
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what the younger generation is going through or are too far behind the times. Respect for age is a lost art, even in Japan where, at one time, senior parents lived with their children, were venerated and cared for. Now, the largest population of homeless, in Japan, are seniors.