Time levels heads.  When you finally learn how to handle a thing, opportunity and responsibility no longer exist.  “Left Behind” was a book and a movie, but it could have been the subtitle of my life. Perhaps, the distance helps us understand what others should do when we are no longer in the hot seat.  It is not necessarily being judgmental. In some ways, it could be said being hopeful. We have become more knowledgeable, empathetic and understanding. Passing that along is another thing.

Dr. Adrian Rogers said, “Old people know more than young people.  It’s not that they’re smarter, but they know more.” This is true and impossible to relate convincingly to the young.  I would counsel the neophyte to avoid certain pitfalls of my life and tell him the joys of my victories, but, to quote John Greenleaf Whittier, all must “live to learn in life’s hard school.”  The young are surer of themselves than the old because they have not experienced heartbreaking reversals of fortune. At least, I was when I hadn’t.

When I was a younger man, I hadn’t a care.  It’s not that I thought I was invincible (as is often said of youth); I didn’t think much about it at all.  I was just happy to be here. Pride was not something I thought about a lot. It seemed to me it was something everyone accused someone else of being.  I’m not as sure of myself today, and I sometimes miss the fearlessness. I wish I had listened more, but I was just too busy being fabulous. Now, I wish there had been more advice from someone who cared and was kind.

I never had a mentor.  Speaking from the ministerial viewpoint, it wasn’t talked about much in the days of my apprenticeship.  Sometimes, I’m a little embarrassed at how I stumbled along. I didn’t know any better, and I did the best I could.  To my credit, I did pick up a few points in the zeal department. I don’t specialize in regret because it doesn’t do much good, but I hope my peers relay the younger needed guidance unknown in ways they can accept.  I believe this is biblical- even Christlike.

What mercy Jesus showed to the weak.  What understanding to people deserving less.  Jesus would not break a bent reed. Looking around, I see a lot of folks bent to breaking under the burdens of life.  Most will not admit it. The servant is not greater than the Lord.

It’s hard to be wise without being a wiseguy, but I think it’s possible.  Wisdom doesn’t have to puff up, and arrogance is often a mask for insecurity.  Both can be laid aside in favor of the several needs of those concerned.

Meet you halfway.

Sterl