Here’s something you can put in your GOOD TO BE OLD file: By virtue of being old, you know stuff that most people have never heard about! (You met Mother Theresa, and learned that her hands were soft. You know how to attach flowers to Rose Parade floats! You can explain the difference between Scriptural exegesis and eisegesis.)
How’s that an advantage? By this time in your life, you have accumulated bazillions of bits of information, derived from your extensive travels around trees and your brain’s wonderful ability to recall facts—perhaps at odd moments. You’ve managed to organize these minutiae into fascinating stories. Because you remain curious about just about everything, you’re constantly adding to your stores of details. Interesting facts inspire your inner spirit.
Arcane matters—known only by those with special, secret knowledge—may seem to be a cause for gentle disregard. (“Okay, Dad, we’re happy you know how to repair pipe organs, but what’s that have to do with anything we’re facing right now…?”)
But here’s the secret benefit of this: When it comes to conversational excellence, you may have the edge over folks who know virtually nothing about everything, or those who know way too much about way too few things. You can talk with anyone about almost any subject!
Think about that for just a moment, and you realize how the attention you can give to people is valuable, because so many of us are longing to be known and valued for our small part in the world’s well-being. You can keep conversations flowing forward into pleasant relationships. You can ask good questions that show appreciation for others, no matter who they may be and no matter what they know! And you might be wise!
All because you’re old and full of years….
