Every once in awhile, I meet someone who is well into their senior years.  And within a few seconds, it becomes very apparent that they are an Elder not just older.  Can you relate?

I had the honor of visiting with a true Elder today.  His name (as I know him) is Father Jean Paul.  He is an 85 year old missionary priest.

Pause.  Note:  We have completely lost the value of the word “missionary”. A true missionary is on a mission.  This involves a quest.  Danger.  Allies and enemies.  Search and rescue.  Difficulty.  Returning home.  A real mission!  This describes the man I got to know today.  He lived with and fought for the hearts of the people of the deep north.  He remembers traveling from village to village by dog sled, across the tundra.  He prayed, with nothing but faith, at the bedside of his dying people.  He saw life birthed from harshness.  He lived true community.  A true missionary.

He asked me questions with a sharpness of mind that belied his aging body.  As I shared with him my family and the ages of my kids, he grinned.  I paused and waited for him to speak.  (Hint – In the presence of an Elder, spend about 80% of your time listening.  15% asking questions and 5% remembering what they said.)

In his pause he said,

“When you are raising boys you need this…” and he raised his fists in an honorable stance, like an old style French boxer. “Power.”

“To raise girls, you need this…” and he lifted a bony finger and tapped his temple.  “Understanding.”

Oh, what it is to sit at the feet of a man who willing shares his years of wisdom.  Seek it out.  And listen carefully.

I’ve been thinking of you often.  Stay awake!

Blessings.

Doug