This Time of year I think of Grandpa and his wisdom often...
I have some wonderful grandparents. My Paternal Grandfather was a great example to me and I was lucky enough to get to spend time with him on many occasions while I was growing up. He was always happy to share his common sense way of doing things. And was a great example to me in my life.
He found ways to serve his community, and was always involved in one project on another.
I think the thing I remember most about him was his patriotism. On every patriotic holiday you would find him posting flags on the main street of his town, and also participating in the various ceremonies and programs that the American Legion sponsored. While he admitted to me that our country and out communities do have their issues. He was always looking for and finding ways to meet people and to work to find common ground with then to achieve common goals that were good for the greater community. It was a great honor when he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for service offered to his community.
As I have watched the building and populating of the internet over the years, I have been grateful for the blessing of having sooo much information at my fingertips. It has made research and finding answers to many things so much easier. That being said, I find that doesn’t come packaged with the information the wisdom perspective that comes from years of trial and error and experience that I would receive when I asked questions of Grandpa.
My challenge to each of you, is to take time to get to know your grandparents, and if yours have passed on, adopt one. I have many “adopted” grandparents in my neighborhood, who have offered much appreciated advice and guidance to me. As you converse with them, listen for the tidbits of advice and wisdom they include in their explanations and stories. These tidbits will help you to be a better and to see things from a more complete perspective They can add balance and perspective to the many breaking news stories and short lived social media trends that seem to captivate and monopolize our day to day life now days.
-JBM