Still Learning

 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, Psalm 92:14

Throughout our nation young people recently donned funny hats and gowns, gathered with peers, and paraded across a stage to the delight of family, friends, and especially teachers. All of this done to the solemn strains of a song over a century old. It is graduation season! My Facebook page overflows with pictures of happy grads full of hope and confidence for the future. I remember my graduation from High School, some forty-three years ago! I could not tell you who spoke, but I remember standing with my row, walking down the aisle, and shaking the hand of Mr. Chester Mcalpin, the vice-principal of Abilene High. I was finally through and ready to take on the world. I brimmed with confidence in my ability to conquer whatever the future held. I was through with learning. Like most of my peers, I viewed my parents, grandparents, and teachers’ generation with some level of suspicion. They were old and outdated. I was ready and did not really need their instruction anymore. Forty-three years later, my view is different.

I’m blessed with the presence of my parents here in Lubbock. While both approach their nineties, they still live on their own and enjoy some measure of good health. And they still teach me many things, needful things as my future unfolds. They instruct me on how to love your spouse fully. They model gentleness and patience, with me as well as with each other. They show me how to age gracefully, accepting the deleterious effects of passing years without complaint. They unfailingly display concern for those around them, minimizing their own complaints and suffering. Each day they walk out the path in front of them with dignity and aplomb. As the Lord grants them the ability, they continue to serve. Most Sundays, they join us for a traditional sit-down lunch. My mother never forgets to ask if there is anything she can bring. She’s serious about the offer, still gladly whipping up some sort of addition to our repast. Through example and conversation, they still work on scuffing off the rough edges of their eldest son. And when I pray for them each day, I seek the Lord’s blessing on their health and vigor, reminding my heavenly father that my earthly father still has a few things he needs to teach his children.