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“You’re still going up the hill, but my mom’s already gone over.”

We laughed at the little girl’s comments, but they reflected her youth-focused mindset. We often overlook the priceless worth of maturity. Preoccupied with wrinkles, gray hair, and bald spots, we fail to recognize the experience, wisdom, and genuine beauty afforded a well-lived life.

Each age comes with built-in benefits. People with more years behind them than ahead experience much during those years. By token of all they’ve learned, easily or from multiple bumps and bruises, we do well to respect them and heed their insights. I can’t imagine my life without the benefits gained from my snow-capped mentors and friends.  

Notwithstanding maturity’s assets, no one but God commands all the answers—and never will. The more mature still have much to learn. Just as they are often overlooked, they may also overlook a wealth of information right before them.

Children and youth, with their enthusiasm and willingness to take risks, uncover possibilities most of us would never choose to unearth. Granted, not all those possibilities work, but neither do all of ours.

Sandwiched between those age extremes are people with time and energy who are often stretched to the limit. The demands of work, church, and community compete with personal and family responsibilities. Making a marriage work or striving to balance life as a single adult can stifle individual needs and desires.

As the older and younger generations both prioritize, juggle, and somehow survive, they remind us to focus on what matters most. Openness to the challenges and contributions of every life stage adds beauty and benefits to life. We all gain from mutual acceptance, understanding, and support.

Thank God for the gems of every age and the opportunity to learn from them all.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)