OLD TIMERS

 

OLD TIMERS

A woolly bear

with black and brown fur

today quietly travels

in a slow and steady crawl

across the roadway

on a day that's sunny

announcing “winter's coming,

another summer is ending.”

You'll find this "old timer"

knows more than a primer.

Summer came and went so fast

though many wish it would last.

Winter follows fall

after Jack Frost calls

painting a colorful rainbow in the leaves,

then down these leaves come when there's a breeze.

Returning black and brown woolly bears are seen,

on sunny days, forecasting winter's scene.

Today this "old timer"

called out to this rhymer.

It is said his stripes tell a tale

of cold snow or freezing hail,

of dropping temperatures

or mild weather,

of a short season

or maybe prolonged.

Woolly bears are barometers

welcomed by many old timers.

You might hear this black and brown "old timer"

talked about by another old timer.

This other old timer also forecasts the weather

for each year when the seasons change, you'll find rather

rainy or cold

changes are foretold:

muscles tighten

or joints stiffen

and they're in a hurry

to get out their woollies.

Is there anything timelier?

Just ask an old timer.

* * * * *

Old creeps up on us fast.

You'll find young doesn't last.

Old is better in some ways

you might hear someone say

for the old have gleaned wisdom,

knowledge, and understanding.

They have answers to life's questions

that will aid the next generation

for they have figured out the solution

to many of life's problems.

Be sure to make friends with some "old timers"

then seek out these friends for age-old answers.

I was young and now I am old...

Psalm 37:25a

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18

Regarding wisdom and knowledge from old timers vs. youth,

many wise, older people made the wrong choices in their youth.

On the other hand, many young people have been taught

by those who have already learned, to chose the right path.

Don't be like the foolish king of long ago

who asked for advise from both the young and old.

Instead of listening to sage advice from the wise elders,

he chose to follow consult from the young whippersnappers.

Now consider Timothy's advice re setting an example.

Be aware that wrong choices you make in your youth entangle

you for the rest of your life.

Wrong choices lead to strife.

Timothy's advice states "set an example."

Timothy lists ample examples:

"in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

These examples showcase your spiritual maturity.

God gave you wisdom to choose between right from wrong.

Choose to follow the right path when you are young.

Be sure your choices line up with God's timeless principles.

Remember, your life is a testimony of God’s values.

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him

and consulted the young men

who had grown up with him and were serving him.

I Kings 12:8

Don't let anyone look down on you

because you are young,

but set an example for the believers

in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I Timothy 4:12

Last summer 3 physical therapists I’ve had occasion to work with asked for gardening advice. Is that due to my having “silver” hair = wisdom? I assured them I am not a Master Gardener, but from the “school of hard knocks.” Advice given was from that schooling.

Look what I found today!

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.