Life & Legacy – Wisen up! by: Kim Anthony

In a world where new is usually better, you can be tricked into thinking old school, value-based advice is obsolete. When you look at technology, fashion, and the stars of today who are young, rich and good-looking (sometimes) we can get wrapped up in the idea that newer and younger is better.

It can be tough to understand why wisdom passed down from those older than us is valuable when you have all the knowledge of the world at your fingertips via our big brother google. But here is a reality check, Google doesn’t care about you. Google has never faced a tragedy, experienced joy, pushed through tough times or refused to give up through overwhelming odds. Google is a machine – a great machine. Or more accurately an amalgamation of code and algorithms to cater to your needs and make your life easier. Google cannot advise you, encourage you or care for you. Only people can do that. Of course my point isn’t really about google. My point is wisdom transcends mere knowledge.

Have you ever thought, “I wish I knew then what I know now”? What’s changed in that time? I’d like to suggest it’s wisdom. There is a resilience and a sixth sense that only comes from experiencing life.
So here is the kicker. You can know now what you’ll learn eventually through experience in the future. There is nothing new under the sun. People ahead of us have walked down some well trodden paths.

Try this, be open to conversations from those of a different generation, and – just listen.

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.”  Proverbs 4:1-3 NIV