HOW TO TREAT OLD PEOPLE

My wife and I attended a “Teacher Appreciation Dinner” last evening. And because we had received an invitation from our church front office, I just assumed it was because we are contributing workers in some related  programs. I occasionally substitute teach for my S.S. teacher when he is out, and cannot find any other suitable teacher. Or maybe it was because my wife does the telephone on Friday from 9:00 AM until noon, or she occasionally does the devotion in the Dorcas circle meetings. Or it may have been because I do the devotionals at the Adventurers group luncheons, Or it might even have been because I lead a bible study which I was asked by certain class members to lead. The weather was threatening rain. We arrived early, The accommodations were elegant, dinner was excellent, The conversation was pleasant and we enjoyed the Christian fellowship. There was one revealing occurrence however that just happened to catch my eye. We were given a list of the teachers and leaders of certain classes and groups, and as I scanned over it taking into account all those named in the list, I could not help but notice that mine, nor my wife’s names were on the list. Well why on earth am I here? We are getting a free dinner, a very elegant evening out among Christian friends, those there that were on the list, and at no expense to us. Just lucky I guess.  However we were then treated to a verbal class by class, group by group, run down of who’s who and what they do etc. There was no mention and no recognition of my wife’s or my efforts whatsoever. I began to feel as if I might be invisible, but quickly realized that was not so, because the very dedicated and prompt servers there had spoken to me at least once, and I had also entered into some pleasant conversation with the teachers who sat at my table. Suffice it to say, I began to wonder why we were invited. A mistake perhaps? A practical joke? Or maybe it was because we were just taken for granted. No I think not. I do think it was because we are old. Old people do not make a difference in any facet of today’s world, because they are usually in the way, or making some kind of ridiculous demand because they are old. They are often in need of some physical aid or accommodation because of their age or they need some type of attention paid to them, which interrupts the normal younger person’s otherwise busy day, (or evening). Well such was the case last evening and I am sorry that I am old. I wish that I were already dead so as not to need any of your attention. It was raining when we left that place, (the first to do so). I forgive all who forgot us and can honestly say, "It does not matter" I will love you anyway.