Nothing to Protect

"When my mother was undergoing chemotherapy, she lost all her hair; and at first she joked about it, but then she became self-conscious and bought a wig, which she wore at all times. During the final weeks of her life, she was too ill to care about how she looked, and she renounced the wig. I felt jarred to see her without hair, and yet in my heart I applauded her for going beyond her concern for appearances. She was finally free". ~ Alan Cohen

Children and older people are the most honest because they have no investment in the games other people believe they have to maintain.

The elderly and the very young do not have a vested interest in power, money, sex, prestige, status, and appearances.

They are not trying to change the world or get a lot from it.

They can tell the truth without fear of losing.

Their delight in being what they are far outweighs any glitter the world may offer.

Some of the greatest wisdom is uttered by the young and the elderly. While we usually notice children’s jewels, often we overlook the wisdom of the aged.

One of the great tragedies of our culture is that we do not respect our ancestors. By not doing so, we dishonor the elderly who live among us, and we hurt ourselves by missing out on the wisdom and blessings they have to offer.

A Japanese friend told me that every Oriental home has a place of honor for the family’s ancestors. The family prays and makes offerings daily to the memory of their forebears.

Let us learn from the young and the old, that we may be as free as they are and rise above the distractions of the years in between.

Is anything really worth compromising the truth?

Bless our young and elders for the wisdom and legacy they impart.

I pray to keep the flame of truth burning above all other desires.

In the truth I am free.