One of the gifts of age is the ability to gain perspective. “Perspective” is defined as “the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship.” In other words, it is the ability to put together the big picture from the relevant details of a situation or relationship. With age comes experience, and with experience can come perspective.
George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I like to paraphrase this quote, “Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.” A wise person will seek the counsel from those who have endured, persevered, and/or experienced the lessons of history.
As a younger man in the fellowship, I am thankful to be among friends and colaborers whom I can call or e-mail for counsel. Over the past year I have had the privilege of seeking counsel from several men in the fellowship to help me navigate tricky situations in ministry and find resources for sermon preparation. I am thankful for godly men who have made themselves available to younger men like myself to answer questions and give direction.
Have you had any experiences when an older person has given you perspective that proved invaluable? I’d like you to share with us.
