It started as a question over coffee: “Do chickens crow, or just roosters?” I answered my wife Dr. Seuss style, “Only roosters crow, as far as I know.” I hedged my response, because I knew if I said, “Yes, only roosters crow,” she would have Googled it immediately. What if there’s a rare breed of crowing hens on some secluded Pacific Island? Then I would’ve looked like a dummy.
Her simple question then became a philosophical one; in this earthly life, what can we know for certain?
Yes, sunrise and sunset, gravity, and fresh air to breathe are almost sure to continue unabated. But what about more slippery unknowns, like the meaning of life, or what happens when we die?
Thankfully, the writer of Ecclesiastes, who was for certain a wise guy, investigated this:
Now that all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)
Ah, perspective! As a child of God, I belong to the Lord. I was bought at a price and am not my own. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
Granted, this isn’t something everyone wants to hear–child of God, or not. We mere mortals are apt to believe our lives are in our own capable hands. Yet, those of us who’ve lived awhile, know this isn’t so. Life has a way of bringing us to our knees. That’s why many who seek wisdom for living ask a “Keen-ager”–a senior adult who has weathered many ups and downs.
Thankfully, nursing homes and assisted living centers are filled with “Keen-agers” who have plenty of wisdom on tap, and most of them are willing to share!
So, here’s your assignment: seek out a senior today and ask them if chickens crow, or just roosters, or maybe just have a back-and-forth conversation about life; you’ll both be glad you did.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4 (NIV)
I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.
Corrie Ten Boom
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
This piece was first published in the Sunshine Weekly Newsletter, a publication which is shared in nursing homes and assisted living centers. A special thank you to Peter Caligiuri, aka “Pastor Pete,” for inviting me to contribute a monthly column! Peter blogs at praise2worship.net
The Stigma Stops Here. 🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
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