I have often viewed myself as marching through this life with a bevy of ancestors and generations at my back; after all – they are behind me, I look back through history to observer their lives.
But I heard one speak long ago (I actually love being old enough to reference “long ago”) pointing out, that in life’s journey they are actually in front of us.
When I was in school, one of the highlights of my day was lunch. Down to the cafeteria to stand in line and patiently wait my turn. Those who arrived early, were before me. That is they had already experienced lunch. They already knew the flavor, the texture and how the whole lunch experience. They were qualified to instruct me on what might best be left on the plate before I had even taken a bit. Those who were behind me might not even know what was on the menu.
Now for the lesson; everything that is in place that we know is in place because of the knowledge, the skills and wisdom of those who already walked this way. They were before us, or might I say, in front of us in the line. They have seen and tasted this life and are qualified to offer some insights. They have written books and left other records for us to consult. Thankfully!
For some odd reason – it was true in my life and I am not unique – there is a desire to be unique and make our own way, often ignoring the lessons from those who already have walked this way. When we should be building upon that which has been, we seek new paths that must be discovered. There is a place for each generation to be inquisitive, explorers and inventors. Now here is the ‘but’; But, to ignore the tried and true and proven is a fools way. Study history my dear friend. So many of the modern conveniences we today enjoy were developed, built and invented using the discoveries and tools from those who have passed this way. They were before us! See them up ahead? They can tell us what to expect and how to best make our way.
So many of the questionable practices of each generation have come from the youth who has yet to live the life. We look ahead to see how grandpa built a fire in the wilderness (I do love bushcraft) and then turn to the youth who has yet to build a fire, yet views himself an expert on the subject. Ignoring what grandpa taught might mean a cold night. Certainly, he may find a better way, or might improve on what has been – that is a good thing. But the wise youth will build upon what has been rather than trying to do it all over solo.
I do know whereof I speak, for when I was not yet twenty years of age, I knew more than most of those ‘old people’ in my world. Today as I review life so far, I find I have had to suffer because of lessons and examples that were set before me yet, set aside. In other instances going back and taking a different road was prudent thought it meant do over’s. I can also say, that while not being an overly bright person, being exposed to some who were has saved me much grief, because early on I began to listen and embrace the proven.
This is my first post on this platform. I write as an exercise of good will. A desire to leave some sort of record, bridge or blue print for the youth to find and embrace and of course improve upon. Mom and I would talk and she would speak of relatives separated from me by decades. They were way on up ahead; yet she would explain the lessons they bequeathed upon her parents and which trickled down to advantage this writer.
Dear friend, in contemplating your life with all its difficulties – just look to those who have just walked the road upon which you tread for the latest reports of what lies ahead and how best to prepare.