“For everything there
is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a
time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to
kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up, a time
to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to
throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and
a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to
keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to
keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time
for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
It was fascinating speaking with this gentleman. He was kind, full of wisdom, as well as
filled with pride for his city- all of its flaws and all. He spoke about his family- especially his
grandson- and said he was a skilled athlete, who played football, baseball, and
the video game Fortnite. As I also have
a son around the same age, I understood what he meant by being proud of the
Fortnite skills. These kids can make actual money from playing that game! I get
it.
As I was walking away from this sweet man, I felt extremely
lucky to have had the conversation with him.
I honestly wished I could have recorded it. It felt like an honor to
hear his version of the history of our community, as his version is just as
important as anyone else’s.
I wish we would all take the time to sit down and learn from
the elders in our communities. We need to record their version of history and
compile their stories. I fear that we
take it for granted they are with us, as we often do not take the opportunity
to sit down with them. It becomes too late, they pass away, and we have missed
our chance. I encourage you to take the
time to sit down with your grandparents if they are still with us. Listen to their stories and record them. Of all my regrets from choices that I’ve made
in my life, not having written down the stories my grandparents once told me is
one of my highest. It is so very extremely
important, and we are missing it. When
my time comes to leave this earth and I do not want to think about the fact
that I spent all day on frivolous distractions and hardly any time
communicating with loved ones or with people in my community, which could have
made more of an impact on my life.
I challenge you today to make that phone call, start-up that
conversation with a stranger. Ask questions and take notes. You will want to
remember, and they will have plenty to share.
After all, this season will pass, and you do not want to miss it or have
any regrets.
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