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“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4 ESV)

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Hanging Out with Old People

 by Macy Johnson


“Rise in the presence of the aged,

show respect for the elderly and revere your God.

I am the Lord.”

(Leviticus 19:32 NIV)

 

My daughter, son-in-law, and their children left too soon after a fun weekend with my husband and me. Our granddaughter commented that our visits are too short. I looked at her Momma and said, “One day they won’t want to be with their old grandparents. They will be busy with friends and activities. I want to spend every moment I can with them now.”

 

I fondly remember our next-door neighbors when my family lived on Blount Street in Pensacola. The Cabanisses lived on the east side of our house and the Spitzes lived on the west. I recall the smell of the inside of each of their homes. One smelled like freshly baked goods while the other smelled like peanuts. Mr. Spitz used to share his freshly shelled peanuts with me as we laughed and spoke fondly of the surrounding neighbors and their goings-on. Mrs. Cabiness always offered cookies straight from the oven when I knocked on her back door. We would sit and enjoy them with a glass of milk or tea as we solved the problems of our worlds.

 

Invitations were never issued for me to visit my neighbors. I just showed up at their doors. Sometimes I followed them as they watered their camelias or azaleas, and helped drag hoses around their beautiful landscapes. I often brought along my little sister, Nell Ann.

 

I hope my grandchildren will want to hang out with Nana and Pop-Pop for many years to come. But most of all, I hope they will see Jesus in us and rejoice in the special relationships we all share.

 

I will thank my heavenly Father for all the old and young people in my life. I hope you will, too!

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