Exactly what does the phrase "with age comes wisdom" mean? You might describe it with this adage:
Question: How long does it take for you to stop falling into a big hole as you walk along the same path each day?
Answer: Until you decide to walk around it instead.
And you would decide to walk around that hole because you've gained some wisdom (and broken bones) from falling into it so many times.
Age is the accumulation of experience that gives credence and volume to that little voice in your head that says to do (or not to do) something. You know, the little voice that says not to believe the salesman when he calls you on the phone and says "I'm offering this deal to very few people, and you're the lucky one today." The voice that cautions you not to leave those clothes on the line because it looks like rain. The voice that says, "I think I'll stock up on Extreme Moose Tracks ice cream while this sale is on."
Sounds like common sense, and it is. But lots of young folks are deficient in that department. How else could they not realize that talking on their cell phones while driving isn't safe? Or that the world won't end because they missed out on one date with that gorgeous, popular guy or girl?
No, they're too young to worry about consequences, and they don't have the perspective to take it all in stride. To know that today is probably not the best or the worst day they'll ever have, but only one of many days to be experienced to the fullest.
Of course, getting older doesn't mean you'll automatically gain wisdom. You have to be open to learning and changing. We've all been around older people who refused to see anything any differently than they did in, say, 1957. They may know a lot, but they're no fun!
Age gives us time to sort out all our experiences and make something meaningful of them. We often don't even realize that we've gained all this wisdom over the years. If you're like me, you are sometimes startled to see how many years have gone by seemingly in the blink of an eye. As some have said, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself." And that's one thing that only age can teach you.
So don't give your grandma short shrift. She's been through a lot and would probably be more than happy to teach you a class in Wisdom 101. Why don't you give her a call? Now that'd be a smart move.
Playlist:
1. The Times They Are A'Changin' – The Byrds
2. When I'm 64 – The Beatles
3. Older – Colbie Caillat
4. Older – They Might Be Giants
5. September Song – Bryan Ferry
6. The Prophet's Song – Queen
7. Yesterday's Wine – Merle Haggard (with George Jones)
8. It Was A Very Good Year – Frank Sinatra
9. Wisdom – David Gray
10. Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
