“I’m 62 years old, Matthew!” John bellowed at his son.  “I have more experience than you, but if you want to be an ass about it, then….FINE!”

Matthew bit the inside of his cheek to keep the evil words from spilling out.  “But Dad,” his voice soft, soothing, “I’ve done a lot of research in the field of music.  I’m not calling you ignorant, but it’s a world away from truck driving.”

“Work is work, which is something you know zero about!”  John slammed a couple doors as he stomped into the garage.

Matthew took a couple deep, calming breaths, and opened his e-mail.  A grin broke across his face as he read the two words he was told he’d never see: “You’re hired!”

Discussion

Our friend Matt is in a difficult spot, but it’s John who has the real problem: humility.  American children have a special brand of respect pounded into them – “Respect your elders, because they’re older.”  American children become American elders, and some of them demand respect based solely on their age.

Unfortunately, they missed the boat on the whole respect thing.  We don’t respect people for being old, we respect them for spending their lives pursuing wisdom.  I know John personally and I can say for a fact that he’s never been humble – he’s always known more than his stupid bosses, and has been using that age excuse for years.  I can also tell you (on the down-low) that he’s also not humble enough to get hired by himself.

Now John’s 62 years old, but still has the wisdom of a 12 year old.  He’s spent his life in ignorance and will die a fool.

Application

How do you treat those around you?  For those of you who may have older kids, do you browbeat them or listen to their opinions?  I hate to say this, but your 19 year old is a clever adult now and knows that you don’t know everything.

And for the younger crowd, do you find yourself saying “you just don’t get me” to your elders?  Believe it or not, your elders were once your age too and hopefully, they humbled themselves to recieve wisdom.  They may not “get” you 100%, but I can guarantee that they’re not telling you things to hear themselves talk.

Meditation

All ages groups should take a step back and listen.  Don’t try to assert your wisdom or knowledge – simply share opinions without attacking the opposite party.  Spend the rest of the month trying to apply the nuggets of wisdom you receive from both your elders and those younger than you.  The universe may be trying to speak to you, but you’ll never hear it when you’re not listening.

Share your thoughts

The subject of humility tends to strike a nerve – it may go against ones parenting philosophy or perhaps even religious thoughts (though I don’t know this for a fact).  How do you reconcile humility with your beliefs?  Do you believe in showing humility to all, or does this make one weak?  I’m interested in your opinions, so please share!