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The greatest lessons that one can learn in life are achieved by sitting at
the feet of those who are much older and wiser than we are. The wisdom that
age brings is immeasurable and it is for this reason that we should never
despise our elders, but rather we are to revere and honor them showing our
love and respect and letting them know how much they mean to us. The Bible
tells us to honor our father and mother so that our days may be lengthened
and our life made well with us. I believe this command to honor our
parents also extends to those older than us treating them with love and
respect and honoring them before the Lord. Be encouraged to take time and
show respect to those older than you and allow them to impart their wisdom
into your life. You will benefit far more than you can ever think or
imagine. (Deuteronomy 5:16) (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13) (Proverbs 4:5-8)
I hope this message encourages your heart to appreciate those who are older
and wiser than you and do all you can to show your love and respect for
their life.
LITTLE FRANKIE
When I was a little boy, my Godfather lived on a hill above my home.
"Little Frankie," as everyone called him, was a small, 80-year-old, first
generation, Italian immigrant. He had worked for the railroads his entire
life and had saved a lot of money. Still, he lived a 19th-century life in
a 20th-century world.
He lived in three rooms of a slowly crumbling, 100-year-old house. He
didn't have electricity or running water. He cooked his meals and heated
his rooms with an ancient, cast iron, coal stove. His clothes were old,
patched, and worn.
A lot of people saw all of this and looked down on him, but I never did.
When I went up the hill to visit him, I always felt at home. Little Frankie
had a simple joy and peace about him that touched my heart. We could sit
and talk for hours. He was a loving soul, and even though he died when I
was still very young, he had an influence on my life that lasts to this day.
Little Frankie taught me that enlightenment isn't being free of work,
problems and pains. It comes from facing them all with a peaceful spirit
and a loving heart. He taught me that having more things doesn't bring you
more happiness. He took more pleasure out of a meal of fried potatoes than
a billionaire could get dining on Champaign and caviar. He taught me, most
of all, that the greatest joy comes from the quiet time you spend with God.
I have had few moments as joyful as the ones I spent with Little Frankie,
just silently sitting on a rock and listening to the stream that ran by his
home. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known.
The 21st century may be full of things that help us to connect with each
other, but to have real love, joy and oneness with God, we need to connect
with the quiet in our own hearts and souls.
In honor of Little Frankie, I am going to turn off my television, cell
phone and computer for awhile today. I am going to go sit by a stream,
remember him and spend some time with God...
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify
one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish
you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be
at peace among yourselves.”
Proverbs 4:5-8 “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither
decline from the words of My mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve
thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt
her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou
dost embrace her.”
Romans 12:9-10 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is
evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another
with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
Hebrews 13:1-3 “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain
strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them
that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity as
being yourselves also in the body.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: WISDOM OF THE SOUL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem182.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: MADE STRONG THROUGH WEAKNESS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony183.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
