Changing Times

From My Perspective - - -

The events of our current day illustrate the climate for change that is occurring in the world, as well as in our own nation. From the overthrow of governments in the Middle East to the gatherings of the Occupy Groups in our nation – frustration, envy, inequity, hopelessness and despair – all seem to contribute to the expressions of our day. The other part to this scenario is that there appears to be no immediate resolve or remedy for those who have lost their employment; or are having to do more menial tasks at lesser remuneration; or those who have endured foreclosure as the housing bubble burst; etc. The Government that promised “hope” and asked to be “trusted” has failed to prove they have earned or deserve a response of either hope or trust. Those who are entrusted with tax revenues and budget management have enlarged the nation’s debt level; and those who insist on reminding us that they are concerned for the “people” feather their own personal nest with “Insider Trading Benefits” (According to CBS: 60 Minutes on 11-13-11) that would cause the rest of us to be incarcerated.

Changing times also impact traditional families in the nation. It is provable that the Holidays are the most critical in the lives of people, especially for the aging and elderly. In too many ways, the aging and elderly can be neglected and/or forgotten. What once was an exciting time of family festivity and gathering has turned into an empty-house and loneliness. Where decorations were common place because the children were coming home with their children, now is barren and relegated to the non-eventful. The aging and elderly can feel as though they must either force their way into being included and/or allow themselves to be squeezed into a different context where they don’t feel or believe they really fit. They may accommodate the situation but do so reluctantly because they believe more in the Traditions than they do the Transitions. They wonder – whatever happened to the merry song – “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go; the Horse knows the way to carry the sleigh…” Some who read this will claim it is false, whereas others will read it and fully identify with it. One sees it from the perspective where it becomes a case of there being a tension between Traditions on the one hand Transitions on the other. There is a time and place for the younger families to begin forming their own Traditions as their families grow – but – at what cost to the aging and elderly?

Some of the things that do not change include the general teaching of God’s Word, Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” The Apostle Paul found this sufficiently important that he added it in Ephesians 6:1-3 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." The words of Ephesians 6:4 may be the reason why some Transitions take place and Traditions become scuttled, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” The Message translates the verse: “Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” The second generation can get the feeling that their parent or parents have become “grumpy” and “fuss at their children” too often and too much. The result is that no one of the third generation wishes to come home and the second generation would rather not have to contend with the complaints of their own children not wanting to go to the Grandparents home. What a reality! What a tension! What a problem! What a Tension!

One way to Remember and to Honor one’s parents – don’t avoid them and don’t treat them as relics. Your aging and elderly parents don’t need gifts – they already have plenty of “stuff”!  They just need to be loved, understood, wanted, included and remembered. This is even more true for the Mother/Grandmother who tends to live longer than the Father/Grandfather. Is it too much to expect that the Children and Grandchildren will regularly remember those who are an important part of their lives and heritage? Just some words for the wise! Don’t read into them – rather - heed them!  Consider these things with me!