Honor Thy Father and Mother

Peter's Journal April 1, 2008

Dr. John Seeley, at 95 was as sharp as most of us at 65, no sharper than most, and definitely more astute on complex modern issues than a majority of any age.  He read, or was read to until his last few weeks of life.  Listening to him for thirty years enabled me to capture the content of his character, and also little gems along the way. 

How in a culture devoted to the marketing of youth do we honor our fathers and mothers today?  Why have we pasteurized milk and set to pasture the elderly among us?  One to eliminate bacteria, the other to eliminate a burden rather than honor a blessing.  Old age is a gift, and many who achieve elder status have much to teach us.

The fifth commandment, honor thy father and mother, is not about obligation, duty or blind acceptance of even the most egregious offence, but rather building upon their strengths and learning’s from their years and keeping them alive.  Even the most thoughtless parenting, irresponsible role models, and out of touch adults we call mom and dad are capable of imparting wisdom in a variety of sectors.

Some teach by example, such as manners at the dinner table, or by setting a wonderful table honoring a birthday, while others do unsung heroics with money or time.  One elderly parent, not particularly kind to her offspring, was gentle and thoughtful with the peers she called on when they were sick. 

 We, of today’s generation, can no longer afford to summarily distance ourselves from the white haired among us who along the way discovered and continue to demonstrate in deed characteristics we can admire and emulate. Honor the elders in a culture and value what they impart and a culture may survive.  Neglect the wisdom of the past and we will disintegrate.