Of tomatoes and candies… what an opener, but it would be so true. For that is where this article begins. Simple encounters with passing conversations that started over tomatoes and candies with women who were strangers, but sparked intergenerational wisdom and respect into my life.

My friends, there are many things people will tell you get better with age: wine (although I don’t partake), cheese (I have never tried making my own yet, but I want to), a properly seasoned piece of cast iron (I am currently working on mine to get it there), and so much more, including life skills.

It is the latter of these that I want to bring to our attention. The experiences people gain over their years of living make them somewhat of a repository of information for others to glean and learn from. Something, I believe, that should not be quickly ignored or tossed to the side. And as useful as a good seasoned cast iron pan is, I would truly have to say that one of the greatest things that gets better with age is people.

Over this past weekend, I had the pleasure of holding extended conversations in the middle of stores with women who were my seniors (and yes, these conversations started with tomatoes and candy – smile). Two different accounts, from two different women, in two different stores. And can I tell you, I am the one who walked away richer for those experiences. These women put a smile on my face, as strangers to strangers, just sharing stories, tidbits of life, family tales, and more. Little did they know, in their own little way, they inspired me. Not in one particular thing, but rather just through the experience of getting a chance to chat with them and hear their stories, share adventures, and take in that golden inspiration they offer.

These encounters stuck with me even more when I heard a message following those encounters reiterating the need to take care and listen to the wisdom of those who have tested the waters before us. Those who have had experiences, trials, and life stories to share, that if we listen to, we can learn from by being inspired to try new things, look at situations differently, or even avoid some of their mistakes.

Proverbs 20:29 says, “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.” That “grey head” carries the marks of a life lived. In that living are tales and accounts they could tell you of ups and downs, of things we may never see or experience, of histories that have gone before, of how to deal with and get through certain aspects of life, even the unpleasant parts.

Picking up books and searching the internet for articles are great, but we have these treasures in the senior members of our communities, families, and churches who may hold a wealth of knowledge and answers for the things we are concerned about or the information we need.

Some use the expression “age before beauty,” and rightly so, but I say there is beauty in the aged. Don’t take it for granted. Dig deeper, ask questions, hold those conversations, and you may have some of that senior wisdom imparted into your own life while putting a smile on their face.

Who in your life carries stories and wisdom you can glean from?

MORE INSPIRATION:

“Elderly Wisdom: Dedicated to Those Who Have Tested the Waters Before Us”

“The Treasure of Years”

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