Bridge the gap

I remember the first time I saw white hair on my hairbrush. My immediate thought was, “Why did my husband use my brush when he has his own?” It didn’t even occur to me that the long white hair couldn’t have come from his head. Call me in denial, but I still can’t get over how fast my youth passed me by.

Don’t get me wrong. I love where I am. I have the capital of experience, money, and wisdom that most young people will only gain—if at all—when they reach my age. Wouldn’t we have it all if we had all this knowledge, confidence, resources, and maturity when we were in our twenties?

So to the young, I say, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7, NIV). Don’t shun the guidance of your elders. Why commit their mistakes when they can teach you a shortcut?

And to the elders and elderly, I say, “Fathers, do not nag your children. If you are too hard to please, they may want to stop trying” (Colossians 3:21). Of course, this verse applies to mothers as well. Yes, we may have the wisdom to impart, but we need to learn how to share it with the young in a way that they will accept it. This way, we bridge the gap. —Rissa Singson Kawpeng