A Grumpy Old Man

As I get older I sometimes begin to think I know a lot more than people around me. After all I have a weight of experience that enables me to see ‘the big picture’. I can understand world events from a historical perspective that younger people do not have, because I’ve seen it all before. I’ve lived through it myself. I keep thinking if only I could pass on the benefit of my wonderful accumulated wisdom to others, the same mistakes wouldn’t be repeated over and over again.

The trouble is, nobody is listening to me, and that frustrates me.

Then in the world around me I see all the former certainties and morality being trampled on and ridiculed, even by those in government. I want to tell them how wrong they are, but they aren’t listening either, and that frustrates me even more.

So I’m in danger of becoming a grumpy old man. I want to change the world, but it seems that I can’t any more, and grumpiness is all that is left.

So what could I really do to change the world? I could have the fruit of the Spirit in my life. This fruit is in short supply these days, and if I could show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, this would have a greater effect than I could ever imagine.

P.S. – This would work for younger people too!

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You saw the whole of human failing and misunderstanding from its tragic beginning to its ghastly end, but You rose above it all with supreme peace and confidence. Help me to be like You and to display the fruits of the Spirit in my life. Amen.