As an active business person I am sometimes amazed at how younger peers respond to me. I have been in my profession for 25 years, not only “in the field”, but in various leadership and instructing positions. It makes perfectly good sense that those who come behind me are younger, it’s the natural order.  I am experiencing a full life cycle. Some are denied this privilege. I am grateful.

Many times I reflect back on my parents shaking their heads at some of my decisions. Now I know how they felt. In meetings with my peers, or one-on-one conversations, I notice that there is a distinct attitude of “I know best”; “I will do it my way”; “you are too old to understand me”; or, “you have said that before and I don’t want to hear it again”. Now I am the first to admit that I can repeat myself….if I feel that you haven’t responded correctly to my statement, I just might repeat it by changing a few chosen words. My effort is to say  “would you please listen to me; I’m trying to make a point here”.

This is my point: a thinking, mature adult has been through experiences that shape advice. It’s advice that will perhaps save time, money or heartache. It could get us to our goals faster and easier.  However, this is what I have perceived: this is an age old dilemma. Youth refuses to learn from the past.

In all my meetings and conversations, Lord please help me to be quiet and give advice only when asked. Yes, I know….it will be a rare happening. That’s ok. It’s the way the world has been turning forever. Even with written instruction from Moses, we still have to do it “our way”. Heaven help us all!!